The Maldives Police Service has identified a 29-year-old woman currently in custody as the alleged central figure in a case involving the smuggling of approximately 1.5 kilograms of narcotics into the Maldives.
According to court documents, Aminath Roona is accused of coordinating the importation of the drugs through another individual who travelled abroad and later returned to the Maldives carrying the narcotics in luggage.
The developments emerged as the Criminal Court ordered Roona and a second suspect, Alya Sharsa Naseer, to remain in custody for an additional 30 days while investigations continue.
The case stems from an operation conducted on the night of April 17, when police arrested both women in connection with a large narcotics seizure.
According to Roona’s latest remand order, investigators told the court that she allegedly directed the importation of the drugs and played the leading role in the operation.
Court records state that the narcotics were discovered inside luggage brought into the country by Alya upon her arrival in the Maldives.
Investigators also informed the court that Alya’s travel records indicate frequent overseas trips within short periods. Authorities further noted that evidence connected to the case was recovered from her mobile phone.
However, the remand order states that Alya has been cooperating with investigators throughout the inquiry.
Both women are being investigated on allegations related to the importation, possession, use, sale and trafficking of narcotics.
Earlier court documents had indicated that the total weight of the seized drugs was estimated at approximately 1.8 kilograms during the initial stages of the investigation. More recent filings, however, refer to 1.5 kilograms of narcotics linked to the case.
During previous court hearings, Roona reportedly requested body-camera footage recorded by arresting officers as part of her defense preparations.
Court records also show that Alya is currently receiving treatment for depression.
Police investigations into the case remain ongoing.
