Malé, Maldives – The Maldives Police Service has arrested 13 individuals in separate drug operations conducted across the country.

In Malé, 19-year-old Mohamed Kiyaan Ahmed Nazim was arrested on February 14 during a police operation at a restaurant, where officers found over 1 kg of drugs. The court has remanded him for 15 days.

On February 15, nine individuals were arrested in Baa Atoll with beer bottles and 12.8 grams of drugs. The arrested include three Maldivians: 49-year-old Alhaan Rasheed Hussein, 65-year-old Abdul Muhsin Hassan, and 25-year-old Mariyam Rifau. The six foreign nationals include two Indians: 20-year-old Kumarasen and 29-year-old Dhinesh, three Sri Lankans: 39-year-old Elavandan, 46-year-old Kanagaraaju, and 31-year-old Sabeshan, and one Bangladeshi: 46-year-old Mohamed Masood.

In a separate operation in Lhaviyani Atoll on February 14, police arrested three Maldivians: 40-year-old Hassan Munaz, 54-year-old Ali Mohamedfulhu, and 26-year-old Ahmed Viyaam. They were found with drugs and cash.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations into all cases are ongoing.