Maldives Police have arrested seven expatriates — four Nepali and three Bangladeshi nationals — for allegedly possessing, using, and selling alcohol in the capital, Malé. All seven individuals have since been handed over to Maldives Immigration for immediate deportation.

According to police, the four Nepali nationals were taken into custody during an intelligence-based operation conducted on October 16. They have been identified as 24-year-old Bibaas Rai, 39-year-old Dabi Tamang, 31-year-old Prathicha Karki Limbu, and 37-year-old Laxmi Jimi.

The three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in a separate police operation on October 19, identified as 37-year-old Rasel Khan, 32-year-old M.D. Sohel Hawaldhar, and 40-year-old Nurul Islam.

Police said a large quantity of liquor was seized during both operations. Following their arrest, all seven suspects were transferred to Maldives Immigration for deportation proceedings in line with existing regulations on expatriate conduct and public order.

Authorities have reiterated that operations to curb the sale and distribution of alcohol in Malé and other inhabited islands will continue as part of efforts to ensure community safety and enforce national laws.