Man arrested in Hanimaadhoo over large-scale drug trafficking

A man has been arrested in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Haa Dhaalu atoll Hanimaadhoo.

Police said they conducted an operation in Hanimaadhoo on Wednesday following a tip-off that drugs were being trafficked on a large scale. During the operation, the suspect was taken into custody.

He was identified as Ahmed Azmi, 40, of H.Dh. Hanimaadhoo. According to police, six rubber packets containing suspected drugs weighing 8.2 grams were recovered from him.

Azmi was produced before the court for a decision on his remand. Police said the case is under investigation.

Drug use remains one of the most pressing social issues in the Maldives, with 1,546 cases reported so far this year.