Several arrests have been made in a drug operation conducted by the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

The drug operation was conducted by officers stationed in Noonu and Raa atolls jointly with the Police Intelligence Unit, after being tipped off that drugs were being trafficked.

During the operation carried out from July 2 – 5, officers raided a boat, some regions of Dhuvaafaru island and an uninhabited island in Noonu atoll.

A small packet, a large rubber packet and 18 pieces of paper filled with suspected narcotics were confiscated during the raids.

Arrested in connection with the case are nine Maldivian men, between the ages of 25 – 51.

Upon being presented to the court for their remand hearing, three of the suspects were given a seven-day remand period, five were given 10 days in remand custody and one was put behind bars for 11 days.

The case is under further investigation by the Holhudhoo Police Station and Ungoofaaru Police Station.