Police disclose details of raid on local drug network seizing nine kilograms of drugs

Police have discovered more than MVR 1 million during an operation to thwart a local drug network.

Police today held a press conference and disclosed details of a special operation conducted to disrupt the operation.

Drug Enforcement Department (DED) Deputy Head Sub-Inspector Fareed Ismail said that police and customs officials had followed the crew of ‘MSV Silver Cloud 49’ since it arrived to the Maldives.

The drugs were unloaded from the boat yesterday morning to deliver to six Maldivians waiting for them at Boduthakurufaanu Magu, police said. Police said the drugs included hashish oil and heroin.

Fareed told the press that five Maldivians and six expats were arrested in the raid.

According to police, one of the suspects was arrested on allegations that he was the ringleader responsible for trafficking illegal drugs into the Maldives.

Police said the man was arrested while he was inside a room ot Kunnumalaage in Maafannu ward.

When police officers searched Kunnumalaage they discovered more than MVR 1 million, US$11,318, EUR 39,725 and currencies of 11 other nations, police said.

Police searched other houses in connection with the case including Coconut House in Mahchangolhi Ward and Moonlight View in Galolhu Ward.

According to police, officers discovered a further MVR 134,050, US$2200 and tools used to pack drugs in Coconut House.

The police have also released the video footage of the operation.

Yesterday Deputy Police Commissioner Hussain Waheed tweeted that the street value of the drugs discovered during the operation would reach over MVR 10 million (US$648,000).