Criminal Court has ordered Azhar Ibrahim, arrested in relation to an attack on a police officer and attempting to smuggle items into Maafushi Prison, to remain in police custody until his trial concludes.

32-year-old Azhar was arrested on Saturday, after attacking police Constable Ali Razzan during a special operation conducted on Maafushi island's lagoon, following reports that 'some individuals were working to smuggle some items into Maafushi Prison'.

In addition to Azhar, three other individuals were arrested in the operation.

Police divers recovered the knife used to attack Constable Razzan from the sea.

Police had apprehended four individuals in the operation; two 32-year-olds including Azhar, a 51-year-old and a minor. The minor was released after he was presented for his remand hearing at the Juvenile Court, while the Criminal Court issued 10-day remands for the other two.

Constable Razzan had sustained injuries between his left shoulder and chest in the attack, as the officers stationed at Maafushi Prison attempted to subdue a man attempting to force his way onto the island. He was taken to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in the capital Malé City for treatment.

Following the incident, exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed applauded 19-year-old Constable Razzan's courage, adding that he will always condemn such "cowardly" acts.

Both Minister of Home Affairs and Maldives National Defence Force, Azleen Ahmed and Adam Shareef visited Razzan in hospital.

A number of item-including phones, chargers, batteries and headsets- were confiscated in the operation.