A 29-year-old man was fatally stabbed during a public altercation in Maavah Island on Sunday morning, in what sources allege is a drug-related dispute between two known individuals.
The victim, Moosa Ibrahim, also 29, from Nalahiya, L. Maavah was attacked with a sharp object in a populated area of the island. According to police, the report of the incident was received shortly after 10:00 AM. By the time he was transported to the Maavah Health Centre, medical personnel confirmed he had succumbed to his injuries.
Police have arrested Mohamed Ibrahim, 29, from Asaree Manzil in HDh. Nolhivaranfaru, in connection with the murder. He is currently being held in Maavah Police custody as investigations continue.
Sources familiar with the case told The Standard that both men were allegedly involved in illicit drug activities, and that the dispute leading to the fatal attack stemmed from disagreements over a drug transaction. The suspect has reportedly confessed to the crime during initial police questioning.
The Maldives Police Service has yet to formally confirm the motive, but has stated that a full investigation is underway.
This incident marks the latest in a growing number of violent crimes linked to the country’s escalating drug problem — a crisis this administration has pledged to address through tougher enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.
