In a significant operation in Fuvahmulah City, Maldives Police Service arrested two individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. The suspects, identified as Ahmed Niushad, 34, and Hassan Azim, 29, were apprehended on December 9, 2024.

Police report that Niushad and Azim are key figures in drug sales and money laundering activities in Fuvahmulah. Investigations revealed that over the past five years, more than MVR 21 million worth of transactions passed through Niushad’s bank account, while over MVR 7 million was processed through Azim’s account in the last two years.

Authorities have frozen the bank accounts of 21 individuals and two companies linked to the case. Police confirm that an investigation into the money laundering allegations is ongoing.

The arrests are part of an extensive operation that began in January 2024 to tackle crime in Fuvahmulah. Within the past year, police have conducted searches in over 4,048 locations and arrested 58 individuals for various offenses.

The Maldives Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug-related crimes and dismantling illicit financial networks, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to maintain safety and order in Fuvahmulah.