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Police reveal those arrested over Iranian drug vessel

Shahudha Mohamed
22 October 2019, MVT 18:38
The Iranian boat seized in Maldivian waters with 70 kilograms of drugs. PHOTO: MIHAARU
Shahudha Mohamed
22 October 2019, MVT 18:38

Maldives Police Service on Tuesday revealed details of those implicated in the drug bust where an Iranian boat was seized in Maldivian EEZ with 70 kilograms of illegal narcotics earlier this month.

According to Police, this drug trafficking incident was led by three individuals -- Ali Anwar from Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll, aged 35, Ahmed Shakeeb from Dhiffushi, Kaafu Atoll, aged 42 and Mohamed Rishfan from Gan, Laamu Atoll, aged 23.

Out of the three, Ali Anwar has a criminal record for theft.

Suspects arrested over the drug trafficking incident aboard the Iranian vessel and local vessel "Heydhakuri". PHOTO: POLICE

Additionally, Police revealed information on the captain and crew of the local vessel that was seized near the Iranian boat. Adam Misbah from Dhiffushi, Kaafu Atoll, aged 39 and Mohamed Inash from Gan, Laamu Atoll, aged 22 were arrested aboard "Heydhakuri" in addition to two Bangladeshi expatriates named Ali Ahmed and Thuhun aged 24 and 36, respectively.

A team from Interpol is aiding Police in the drug trafficking investigation.

The Iranian boat along with the Maldivian vessel was seized in a joint operation conducted by Sri Lankan and Maldivian Coast Guard with Police on October 5.

Police formerly revealed that three sacks of drugs were uncovered aboard the Iranian boat containing 70 packets of illegal narcotics weighing 70 kilograms.

Although Police have yet to reveal the nature of the drugs, Commissioner of Police (CP) Mohamed Hameed stated that the street value of the drugs seized in the operation adds up to MVR 59.2 million.

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