Two men arrested on suspicion of using a child to traffic drugs

Police patrol the streets of Male' City. (Sun Photo/Moosa Fayaz)

Two men from Vilimale, identified as Ahmed Naeem and Hassan Nuaz, have been remanded for 30 days following their arrest on charges of drug trafficking and child exploitation. Police investigations reportedly uncovered evidence of significant financial transactions between the suspects. Under the Maldivian Narcotic Drugs Act, involving a child under the age of 18 in drug-related offenses constitutes a severe criminal act, punishable by life imprisonment and heavy financial penalties. The state is further obligated to safeguard children from such exploitation under the Child Rights Protection Act. Investigations are currently ongoing to determine if further legal charges will be filed.

Suspects Ahmed Naeem and Hassan Nuaz are in police custody following allegations of drug trafficking and minor exploitation.
The Narcotic Drugs Act mandates severe penalties for using children in drug-related activities, including potential life imprisonment.
Financial evidence linking the two men has been uncovered during the investigation.
Authorities remain committed to child safety under the Child Rights Protection Act, with further charges possible as the investigation progresses.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of using a child to traffic drugs, in what police say is a serious offence under Maldivian law.

The suspects, Ahmed Naeem of Satellite, Vilimale’ and Hassan Nuaz of Naazleemanzil, Vilimale’, were taken into custody on charges of drug trafficking and exploiting a minor. Both were remanded in custody for 30 days.

According to the arrest warrant, investigators found evidence of large financial transactions between the two men. Police have not disclosed further details of the case or the age of the child involved.

Using a minor in the commission of a drug offence is a grave crime under Maldivian law. Section 105 of the Narcotic Drugs Act makes it an offence to involve a child, defined as anyone under 18, in transporting, selling, transferring or participating in any drug‑related activity.

Under Section 105(b), anyone who uses a child to commit a drug offence is liable to the maximum penalty prescribed for that offence. For drug trafficking, this includes life imprisonment and a fine between MVR 100,000 and MVR 10 million.

The Child Rights Protection Act also obliges the state to protect children from exploitation, abuse and any activity that endangers their wellbeing.

Police have not said whether additional charges will be brought as the investigation continues.

By Azhaar Abdul Azeez

Writer