A major Maldives Police Service operation targeting suspected drug trafficking and money laundering networks has led to the arrest of four individuals following coordinated searches in Malé and Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
Police said the latest crackdown, carried out on 11 January 2026 under Operation “Alimagu”, involved searches at 10 locations, focusing on individuals believed to be linked to a large-scale trafficking ring operating in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, as well as suspects involved in possession and distribution of controlled substances.
Arrests made
Police identified those arrested as:
- Shaffah Latheef (28), Shevona, GA. Villingili
- Ahmed Maadhih (33), Miuzikee-aage, GA. Villingili
- Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim (30), Aizan, GA. Villingili
- Noorunizam (35), Araairuge, GA. Villingili
Court remand orders
Following remand hearings, the court ordered:
- Shaffah Latheef, Ahmed Maadhih, and Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim to be held in custody until the conclusion of trial.
- Noorunizam to be remanded for 15 days.
Network under probe since March 2025
Police said the four detainees are suspected of playing leading roles in a sophisticated trafficking and laundering structure, with a specialised investigation launched into key figures of the network in March 2025.
Investigators believe the network has been active in drug trafficking since 2015, with financial analysis showing that in the past five years, bank accounts linked to members recorded transactions exceeding MVR 300 million and USD 400,000.
So far, 19 individuals have been identified as working under the leadership of the primary suspect in various roles connected to drug sales and laundering activities, and all remain under investigation.
Financial audits reveal major income mismatches
Police audits highlighted sharp discrepancies between declared earnings and account turnover, including:
- Ahmed Maadhih: MVR 17,174,461.12 turnover vs MVR 430,638.99 salary deposits
- Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim: MVR 38,812,690.60 turnover vs MVR 271,874.32 salary deposits
- Shaffah Latheef: MVR 6,916,752.83 turnover vs MVR 371,635.36 salary deposits
53 bank accounts frozen
As the investigation continues, police confirmed that 53 bank accounts belonging to 13 individuals connected to the case have been frozen under court orders.
Operation Alimagu is part of the Police Service’s wider push to dismantle high-level drug networks and cut off the laundering of illicit proceeds, with further enforcement actions expected as the probe expands.
