Two arrested in high level drug trafficking charges

Local authorities have apprehended two individuals suspected of being involved in a significant drug trafficking operation.

The Maldives Police Service arrested two local men, Ahmed Azan Ali, 22, from Galolhu Jellyfish, and Huzaifath Luthfee from Addu Atoll Hithadhoo, as the prime suspects in the drug trafficking ring.

During the remand hearing for the two suspects, Maldives Police said that they had gathered intelligence implicating Azan as a key figure in the drug trafficking ring. The authorities further stated that based on an intelligence report indicating Azan's presence, they conducted a raid on a residence where he was believed to be living, and successfully apprehended him.

During the raid, Azan was found sitting on a sofa, and next to the sofa on a side table, film roll containers suspected to contain narcotic substances were discovered, according to the police. Upon further search of the residence, the authorities uncovered additional items containing narcotic substances and cellophane wrappings used for packaging drugs. They also found a scale believed to have been used for weighing the drugs for sale.

Despite being found at the scene of the crime, Azan denied possessing the substances discovered by the police. He claimed that another party had come forward as the owner of the contents.

Azan has a history of multiple arrests, having been detained 21 times in the past for various drug-related and other criminal charges. He has also served prison sentences on seven separate occasions. Despite authorities alleging his involvement as a key figure in drug trafficking, Azan denied these claims and stated that he was employed at a water sports center in Hulhumalé.

However, during the remand hearing, the court held that the evidence presented by the local authorities were sufficient to refute Azan's claims.

The second suspect, Huzaifath, who was arrested from the same residence, initially claimed ownership of the narcotic substances found during the raid. However, he later retracted his statement during the court proceedings.

Huzaifath, who has been arrested five times previously on charges including drug possession and abuse, and has been imprisoned once, also claimed to be currently employed.

During the hearing, the Maldives Civil Court ordered a 15-day remand for each of the suspects.