Suspects in 215kg heroin bust are from R. Maduvvari

Police have released the identities of the two suspects arrested in a counter-narcotics operation last weekend which saw the seizure of 215 kilograms of heroin. 

The counter-drug trafficking operation - conducted by the Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Drug Intelligence, Marine Police, Forensics Department, and R. Atoll Police – began on October 13 and ended on October 15 with the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 215 kilograms of heroin. 

Police searched multiple uninhabited islands and a speedboat in the operation. The drugs were found hidden in an uninhabited island located in R. Atoll.   

The suspects arrested in the case were identified by police on Tuesday as: 

• Ali Shakir, 42, Finifaru, R. Maduvvari 

• Nimal Abdul Haris, 33, Fehiali, R. Maduvvari 

According to reliable sources, Shakir and Nimal reside in Maduvvari and are close friends. Shakir is known for running multiple businesses on the island. 

Maduvvari Court ordered for the two suspects to be remanded in custody of the police for 15 days last Sunday, October 17. 

The 215-kilogram drug bust marked the second big drug bust by DED last week, with the seizure of 100 kilograms of heroin from an uninhabited island in ADh. Atoll on October 13. Police arrested 10 suspects in connection to the case – two of whom – who the police believe to be the ringleaders – were released by the court.