Addu Drug Network Ringleaders' Remand Extended in Major Bust

The remand of five suspects believed to be the ringleaders of one of the largest drug networks operating in Addu City has been extended. The suspects were arrested during ‘Operation Alimagu’ on December 3rd. The individuals, identified as Ali Nadeem, Hafiz Fauzy, Ibrahim Siraj, Hassan Alfaaf, and Ameen Mohamed, are alleged to have led the extensive drug network. Police reported that the remand for Nadeem, Fauzy, and Siraj was extended by 30 days on January 2nd, while Alfaaf and Ameen’s remand was extended on December 24th. An additional suspect, Hassan Nazeef, arrested on December 5th, has been remanded for five years. The investigation, ongoing since March, uncovered that the network has been operational since 2017 and involved over MVR 19 million in transactions. Authorities continue to probe the case, which highlights the significant drug trade in the southernmost Maldivian atoll.