Three people have been arrested after police seized approximately 1.7 kilograms of suspected narcotics and hundreds of vape cartridges during a joint counter-narcotics operation in Malé.
The suspects were identified by police as Hussain Shavin, 26, of Saaneevilla, K. Huraa; Maryam Isha Ashraf, 21, of Villa, Th. Thimarafushi; and Mohamed Nahil, 25, of Resham, S. Hulhudhoo.
According to the Maldives Police Service, the operation was jointly conducted by the Drug Enforcement Department and Counter-Narcotics Intelligence on November 2 as part of an investigation into suspected drug possession, consumption and trafficking.
Officers searched a residence in Maafannu during the operation and recovered approximately 1.7 kilograms of substances suspected to be narcotics.
Police also seized 230 vape cartridges allegedly containing prohibited substances, 26 bottles of vape liquid and one bottle of alcohol from the premises.
Following their arrests, the three suspects were presented before a court for remand hearings.
The court ordered Shavin and Isha to remain in custody for 15 days, while Nahil was remanded for five days.
Police said further investigations into the suspected drug operation are ongoing.
