Maldives Police Service (MPS) has arrested two individuals in connection to separate drug busts in two islands of Noonu atoll.

Police confirmed that investigations have been launched following a hefty number of narcotics being confiscated during the separate drug operations in Holhudhoo and Velidhoo islands of Noonu atoll, as part of the police institution’s wider efforts to curb drug smuggling and trafficking across the island nation.

The operation in Velidhoo island stemmed from an intel report following which intelligence officers and those stationed in the island raided a residence on February 19. During the raid officers confiscated two packets filled with suspected narcotics.

A 26-year-old Maldivian man was arrested in connection to the operation and has since been remanded by 15 days, when presented to the Velidhoo Magistrate Court for his remand hearing.

A similar operation was launched in Holhudhoo island following a tip-off that led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man, from the island’s harbor region on February 18.

Upon searching the man, officers found 42 pieces of cellophane filled with suspected narcotics on him and he has since been remanded by eight days, after being presented to the Holhudhoo Magistrate Court.