Youth arrested on suspicion of drug selling; MVR 6,000 seized

A 25-year-old Maldivian man has been arrested in Malé on suspicion of drug trafficking, with authorities seizing more than MVR 6,000 during the operation.

The suspect, from Nolhivaranfaru in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, was presented before the Criminal Court on Friday. He is accused of drug use, sale and trafficking.

According to the court order, the arrest was carried out following intelligence reports that an individual wanted by police was staying at a guesthouse in Malé. When officers arrived and knocked on the room door, the suspect answered. Inside the room, police found several cellophane packets containing substances suspected to be narcotics on top of a cupboard near the bed.

The court order stated that the suspect was the only occupant of the room at the time and had given written consent for the search. During the search, police recovered nine cellophane packets of suspected drugs, a digital scale and MVR 3,130 from the top of the cupboard.

Six additional cellophane packets were found inside a paper cup in the wardrobe, while two rubber packets containing suspected narcotics were discovered on the floor. Police also found MVR 3,400 inside a wallet on the bed.

The suspect told the court that the room was not registered in his name. However, police maintained that he was the only person present when officers arrived to conduct the search.

The court has remanded the suspect in custody for 12 days, with the remand period set to expire on Wednesday, December 11.

Police statistics show that more than 2,000 drug-related cases have been reported to the institution so far this year.