Remand extended for drug trafficking suspects arrested in Addu City

The remand of five men arrested in connection with a drug trafficking operation in Addu City last month has been extended.

The suspects were arrested during a police operation conducted earlier last month. They are:

Nadeem, Hafiz and Siraj were produced before the court yesterday for a decision on extending their remand. Alfaaf and Ameen were earlier produced before the court on the 24th of last month, where their remand was extended.

Police confirmed that the 30-day remand extension granted for Nadeem has since been appealed at the High Court.

Authorities said the investigation into drug trafficking and money laundering involving the group began in March. Police allege the suspects are part of an organised drug trafficking network that has been operating since 2017.

According to police, more than MVR 19 million has circulated through the bank accounts of four members of the network over the past five years.