In a significant crackdown on narcotics smuggling, Maldivian authorities have detained ten foreign nationals accused of attempting to traffic over 7 kilograms of illicit substances into the archipelago. The coordinated operation, executed at midnight on March 21, 2025, involved the Maldives Police Service, the Maldives National Defence Force, and the Maldives Customs Service. The joint task force intercepted a vessel in the Male’ region, leading to the substantial drug seizure.
The individuals arrested include three Indonesians and seven Indians. The Indonesian suspects are identified as Naswan Adil (30), Adriansya (25), and Muhammad Iqbal Makrum (30). The Indian nationals are Prabhakaran Nagarajan (35), Romans Santhiya Fernando (58), Ganesh Bommali (22), Dathkile Darshan Vijay (22), Peta Vinny (28), Saran Padman (28), and Gosic Raj James Knox (30).
Following their apprehension, the suspects were presented before the Criminal Court. Five individuals received a five-day detention order, while the remaining five were initially remanded for one day. Upon review, the court extended the detention of one suspect by an additional three days and the other four by fifteen days. The Maldives Police Service continues to investigate the case.
This operation underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking within its maritime borders. Authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit to dismantle narcotics networks threatening the nation’s security and public health.
