Five arrested for illegal removal of white sand

Five people have been arrested for removing white sand from Gaafu Alifu Maafaru.

Police said that the suspects are a 46-year-old Maldivian and four foreigners who have also been accused of working illegally in the Maldives.

Police said that the issue was reported by Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Council, following which a team from Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo Police Station went to the scene and stopped the efforts by the five men to remove sand.

They were then told to replace the sand, which they refused, said police.

Over 3,000 bags of sand which had been taken on a boat from Fuvahmulah which was at the scene were emptied back to the sea nonetheless, said police.

The men are being investigated by Gaafu Dhaalu Police Station for illegal removal of sand, refusal to obey police orders, and working illegally in the Maldives.