Captured drug lords were unemployed but lived lavishly, locals say

Amidst the recent arrest of a large network from Fuvahmulah involved in drug trafficking and money laundering, locals from the island have revealed that the individuals involved lived lavish lifestyles despite being unemployed.

In a statement issued by Maldives Police Service today, 58 individuals were arrested from Fuvahmulah and 75 cases were investigated as part of the 'Operation Veshi Rakkal', which commenced on 14th January. Out of the 75 cases, 65 cases have been sent for prosecution, Police also said.

The operation's arrests initially led to clashes between Police and some individuals as well.

As for the network two individuals from were arrested yesterday for drug trafficking and money laundering, Police said. They are Ahmed Niushad (34) and Hassan Azim (29), both from Fuvahmulah.

According to information revealed, over MVR 21 million rolled through Niushad's bank account in the past five years, while MVR seven million rolled through Niushad's account in the past two years.

Locals from Fuvahmulah who spoke with Mihaaru News said that those arrested for drug related were unemployed, but brought in expensive cars and would drive them for a month before sending them off to import new ones.

They suspect the cars carried drugs.

"The cars are brought over from Addu. They live very lavishly but their houses are very ordinary," one local said.

Locals also said that associates of the arrested individuals recently opened two cafés on the island as well.

Both Azim and Niushan have previous criminal histories. Azim was charged in 2016 with a group violence in Fuvahmulah. However, he was acquitted at the time. Niushad has also been arrested in various cases in the past.

Fuvahmulah sources alleged that Niushad and Azim had been involved in drug trafficking for years, mainly due to their lifestyle despite being unemployed.

Police arrested those involved in the network after the allegations had been going on for years.