The Criminal Court on Wednesday extended the remands of two suspects arrested over alleged drug trafficking, for 15 additional days, marking the third extension of their remands in custody.
According to authorities, the individuals were identified as Mohamed Shareef from Vaadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Afzal Rasheed from Kolamaafushi, Gaafu Alif Atoll, aged 43 and 33 respectively.
In the sting operation run by the Drug Enforcement Department, 6.8 kilograms of cannabis were confiscated after authorities inspected five residences in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale'.
While three individuals were initially arrested following the discovery of illegal substances at their residences, one was released after authorities were unable to find narcotics at the suspect's residence.
Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed had revealed that the street value of the seized narcotics were at an estimated MVR 5.6 million.
Police further noted that two of the suspects were part of a drug network, adding that certain individuals linked to the network had been previously arrested.
Under Maldivian law, drug trafficking is a serious criminal offence punishable by life imprisonment and carries a hefty fine in the range of MVR 100,000 (USD 6485) to MVR 1 million (USD 64,850).
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