Police have completed their investigation into four Maldivian men arrested during an anti-narcotics operation in Villimalé and forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Three of the suspects have been released, while the fourth was expected to be released following completion of the probe. A police spokesperson confirmed that the investigation is finished and that any further custody would depend on court orders.
The arrests took place on 8 October as part of a targeted sweep. Officers searched the suspects and related premises. The four individuals identified are Shahil Mohamed (42), Mohamed Vishal (29), Ismail Jumaih (35) and Ahmed Azmeel (44). Three have connections to the local film industry.
The operation forms part of a wider nationwide effort against drug distribution. The Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology has previously stated that authorities have seized over 1.33 tonnes of illicit drugs valued at MVR 1.4 billion under the current administration. Police have carried out more than 500 targeted operations and are investigating linked money-laundering and financial crime cases.
The case has drawn attention because of the involvement of figures from the entertainment sector. Authorities continue broader enforcement against narcotics networks while the file proceeds through the prosecutorial process.
