Five arrested for illegal alcohol trade on a safari boat

A Maldivian and four foreigners have been arrested for the sale of alcohol on a safari boat without a permit. 

Police said today that five individuals were arrested on Wednesday for alcohol sale without permit on a safari boat moored in the Hulhumale' lagoon. The five were arrested based on intelligence received by Counter Narcotics Intelligence, Police said. 

Under the operation, conducted by the Drug Enforcement Department in collaboration with Counter Narcotics Intelligence, the safari boat was searched under a court order. Police uncovered 102 bottles and 218 cans of alcohol. 

The Maldivian arrested in relation to the case is Mohamed Manik, 52, H. Binmathee-aage.

The foreigners arrested alongside Manik are MD Shekar Hosain, 34, India, Rasel Mia, 35, Bangladesh, and two Sri Lankans, Pubudu Asela Bandara Dolosba Gedara, 27 and Tharaka Saman Kumaradeva, 35. 

Police said that the court has placed all five in remand in custody for three days.