The Maldives Police Service has just revealed the identities of individuals arrested last Wednesday night in connection with the largest drug trafficking operation in Addu City.
They are:
- Ali Nadeem, 30, Konmuli, S. Hithadhoo
- Haafiz Fauzee, 31, Falaah, S. Hithadhoo
- Ibrahim Siraj, 43, Veyofehebburuge, S. Hithadhoo
- Hassan Alfaaf, 28, Dorufothimaage, S. Hithadhoo
- Ameen Mohamed, 23, Kekurimaage, S. Hithadhoo
According to the police, when these individuals were presented to court for a remand hearing, Nadeem, Haafiz, and Siraj were remanded for 30 days for investigative purposes. Alfaaf and Ameen were remanded for five days.
All arrested individuals are reportedly associated with the Hithadhoo “Milo” group, with Nadeem identified as the primary leader.
Police stated that the investigation into this network, which includes the five arrested individuals, targeting drug trafficking and money laundering activities, commenced in March of this year. Furthermore, the police revealed that this network has been involved in drug-related businesses since 2017.
According to information shared by the police with the media, over MVR 19 million has been transacted through the accounts of four individuals within this Hithadhoo drug network over the past five years.
The police further stated that the arrest of these Addu drug kingpins was made under “Operation Alimagu,” which was launched last month at the directive of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to combat drug-related crimes. This operation primarily targets individuals who are most actively involved in importing and trafficking drugs into the Maldives.
Home Minister Ali Ihusaan previously stated, “We repeatedly warn and advise those involved in this trade in the Maldives to cease their activities. Once police investigations reach them, there will be no mercy, sympathy, or exception for anyone! Only strict legal action will follow.”
The Parliament also passed amendments to the Drug Act last Wednesday. These amendments allow for the death penalty to be imposed on individuals found guilty of importing or trafficking drugs if the Supreme Court judges unanimously agree on such a sentence.
According to the bill, the death penalty must be imposed if two conditions are met: if the quantity of the imported drug meets a specified weight threshold for its type, and if the drug was imported by the individual upon their entry into the Maldives.
The bill also includes a provision to abolish the 25-year sentence currently designated as a life sentence under the Drug Act, replacing it with a sentence that requires the individual to remain in prison until their death.
