Resort Worker and Funadhoo Resident Arrested in Separate Drug Cases in Shaviyani Atoll

Two men were arrested in separate drug-related operations in Shaviyani Atoll on Monday, according to police reports. The first suspect, a 27-year-old resident of Funadhoo, was apprehended after officers saw him using a mobile phone while riding a motorcycle. When ordered to stop, he accelerated and attempted to escape, dropping his phone in the process. Police recovered seven cellophane packets containing suspected drugs from the phone and the area where it fell. The second arrest took place at a resort following a tip-off about drug possession, use, and trade. A 40-year-old resort worker was taken into custody, with two rubber packets containing suspected drugs found in his possession. Both suspects were remanded in custody for 10 days as investigations continue. Drug offenses remain a significant challenge in the Maldives, with 1,989 cases reported this year, making it the third-highest category of crimes recorded by police.