10 arrested in Addu under nationwide anti-drug operation

Police have arrested 10 people in Addu under the nationwide ‘Operation Alimagu’ targeting drug offences.

Police had earlier released the names of five individuals arrested on Wednesday, stating that they were connected to a drug trafficking network. On Friday night, police said 10 locations had been searched under court orders and 10 people had been taken into custody as part of the operation.

According to police, six of the suspects were produced before court and their remand extended. Another suspect was produced in court on Thursday for an extension of his remand.

The suspect produced on Thursday was identified as Hassan Nazeef, 36, of Gulkandhu, S. Hithadhoo. He was remanded for five days.

Police said investigations into drug trafficking and money laundering linked to the network’s leaders have been ongoing since March.

More than MVR 19 million has been transferred to the accounts of four senior members over the past five years.

A court has ordered remand for 30 days for Ali Nadeem, Hafiz Fauzy and Ibrahim Siraj. Hassan Alfaf and Ameen Mohamed have been remanded for five days.