Police officer among eight suspects arrested in major drug operation

A police officer is among several people arrested in an ongoing drug operation by the police in Lhaviyani Atoll.

At a press conference at Iskandar Koshi today, Head of Drug Enforcement Department of the Maldives Police Service, Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Shifan said that the operation saw the arrest of eight suspects, including a police officer.

Shifan said that all the suspects were above the age of 18 and they were arrested in Lhaviyani Hinnavaru.

He said that the court has given eight days as the remand period for all eight suspects.

Police found 16 bullet-sized packets containing a substance believed to be drugs, and 145 packets containing oil believed to be drugs.

Shifan said that 36 police officers and 12 special operations officers participated in the operation which was launched at 5:00 a.m. yesterday.

He said that the police will continue this operation, as well as conduct similar operations in other atolls in the country.

Police have not disclosed any details regarding the suspects, citing the ongoing investigation.