Police have arrested five individuals in Addu City believed to be central figures in one of the region’s most extensive drug trafficking operations, following a targeted anti narcotics raid under Operation Alimagu on the night of December 3.
The Maldives Police Service confirmed that the suspects include Ali Nadheem, 30, of Konmuli S. Hithadhoo, Haafiz Fauzee, 31, of Falaah S. Hithadhoo, Ibrahim Siraj, 43, of Veyofehuburuge S. Hithadhoo, Hassan Alfaaf, 28, of Dorufothimaage S. Hithadhoo, and Ameen Mohamed, 23, of Kekurimaage S. Hithadhoo. All five were taken into custody in coordinated operations carried out across the city.
Police said the arrests stem from an investigation launched in March that focused on drug trafficking and money laundering activities linked to the network’s leadership. Findings indicate the group has operated since 2017 and that more than 19 million Maldivian Rufiyaa moved through the accounts of four primary individuals over the past five years, highlighting the scale and financial sophistication of the operation.
Following court arraignment, Nadeem, Fauzee, and Siraj were remanded for 30 days, while Alfaaf and Ameen were remanded for 5 days as investigations continue. Police noted that further inquiries are underway to uncover additional layers of the trafficking structure and identify potential collaborators.
Authorities described the arrests as a significant milestone in ongoing nationwide efforts to combat narcotics and dismantle entrenched criminal networks operating within the Maldives.
