Thursday 19 Mar 2026
The three suspects arrested by Maldives Police Service in a drug operation in Male' city, March 4, 2026. (Photo/Maldives Police Services)
On February 28, law enforcement agencies arrested three individuals, including a Malaysian national and two Maldivian men, for attempting to smuggle over two kilograms of drugs into the Maldives. While in custody, the suspects have offered diverging narratives regarding their involvement. Looth Ibrahim, one of the arrested men, claimed his presence at the airport was to retrieve luggage at the request of an incarcerated friend, while the Malaysian suspect stated the suitcase was provided by an associate. Courts have extended the detention periods for the suspects as investigations into the broader trafficking network continue.
One of the Maldivians arrested in connection with an attempt to smuggle more than two kilograms of drugs into the Maldives has told the court that he went to the airport to collect a suitcase at the request of a friend currently in jail.
A Malaysian woman and two Maldivian men were arrested on February 28 for attempting to bring the drugs into the country by air. The suspects are:
Ahmed Rishmah, 21, Sunlight Villa, GA. Dhaandhoo
Looth Ibrahim, 29, Furusathu, GDh. Vaadhoo
Ranjini Jeevananthan, 38, Malaysia
Ranjini was arrested at Velana International Airport, while Looth and Rishmah were arrested in Male’ City.
Looth was produced before court on Monday for a remand review, where his detention was extended by another 30 days. According to the arrest warrant, he told investigators that he went to the airport to receive the luggage on behalf of a jailed friend.
The Malaysian woman was earlier remanded for 15 days. Her arrest warrant states that she told authorities the suitcase she carried had been handed to her by a friend.
