“There will be no place within the police service for employees who engage in criminal activity,” Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen said, as a serving police officer was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle illicit drugs into Th. Vandhoo.
The arrest followed intelligence received by police, leading to a targeted operation conducted on the morning of December 21 at the harbor area of Th. Vandhoo. The suspect was identified as Mohamed Nawaz, 25, from Dhilaasage, Th. Hirilandhoo.
Police said a search of Nawaz and his belongings uncovered five rubber packets suspected to contain illicit drugs, concealed inside a stitched object resembling a stuffed toy. A urine test conducted on the suspect also returned a positive result for illicit drug use.
Authorities later confirmed that Nawaz is an active police officer. He completed the 33rd Basic Police Training Course in 2021 and became a qualified officer in 2022. He has since been suspended from duty following his arrest.
Addressing the case, Commissioner Naveen stressed that the harshest legal action would be pursued against employees who commit criminal offenses. He further assured that no individual involved in such crimes would be retained within the police service.
The court has remanded Mohamed Nawaz in custody for 10 days pending a decision on his detention, while police continue investigations into the case.
Law enforcement authorities reiterated that accountability applies equally to all, emphasizing that internal discipline remains central to efforts to combat drug-related crimes nationwide.
