In a significant crackdown on narcotics and financial crimes, authorities have filed money laundering charges against two individuals accused of orchestrating an extensive drug trafficking network in Fuvahmulah City.
The Prosecutor General’s Office announced that Ahmed Niushad, 34, of Karanka Villa, Dhoodigan, and Hassan Azim, 29, of Zamaaneege, Dhoodigan, were apprehended during a special police operation in December 2024. Investigations indicate that between July 2019 and August 2024, Niushad’s bank accounts processed over MVR 21 million, while Azim’s accounts saw transactions exceeding MVR 5 million. These funds are suspected to be proceeds from illicit drug sales.
Authorities have moved to confiscate assets linked to the alleged crimes, including MVR 1.1 million in cash, four motorcycles, five cars, two pickup trucks, a sea vessel, 29 Sun Conure parrots, and nine Ringneck parrots. Both Niushad and Azim face charges of participating in a criminal organization.
These arrests are part of “Operation Veshi Rakkal,” an extensive anti-drug initiative launched on January 14, 2024, targeting drug networks and money laundering activities in Fuvahmulah. To date, the operation has led to the arrest of 58 individuals and the investigation of 75 related cases, with 65 forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution.
The Maldives Police Service continues to emphasize its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering networks, working diligently to bring those involved to justice.
