Two men have been arrested in Gaafu Alifu Vilingili on suspicion of operating a drug trafficking network that allegedly exploited minors, according to Maldives Police Service.
The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted by Vilingili Police and the Counter Narcotics Intelligence unit targeting individuals suspected of using children in the distribution of illicit drugs.
The operation, carried out on 28 May, involved searches of four residences, during which authorities seized a total of 66.92 grams of suspected narcotics.
Police identified the suspects as 25-year-old Mohamed Athoof Habeeb of Athens, Vilingili, and 20-year-old Mohamed Raif Hussain of Dhethadimaage, Vilingili. Investigators believe the pair were key figures within the network under investigation.
Following their presentation before the court, Athoof was remanded in custody for 15 days, while Raif was ordered detained for 10 days pending further investigation.
Police said the operation was conducted under recent amendments to the Drugs Act and in line with provisions of the Child Rights Protection Act aimed at safeguarding children from exploitation in criminal activities, including drug trafficking.
The case remains under investigation by Vilingili Police.
