Two expats arrested for preparing and selling liquor in Male'

Police have arrested two expatriates for allegedly preparing and selling liquor from a rented residence in Male'.

The arrests were made during a raid conducted by the Counter Narcotics Intelligence and Drug Enforcement Department as part of a New Year–targeted operation named “Riveli,” police said.

The suspects were identified as Indian nationals Mohandas Rajendran, 22, and Balasubramaniam Selam, 41.

According to police, officers searched a rented house in Malé and recovered liquor as well as equipment used to prepare alcohol from the third floor of the building. Police said the premises had been rented by the two suspects.

The case is currently under investigation. However, police said the two men have been handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation.