The case against three film stars arrested in a drug operation in Vilimale' has been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office, police have said.

Ahmed Azmeel (Azey), Ismail Jumaih (Juma), and Mohamed Vishal (Roman), were arrested during an anti-narcotics operation in Vilimale' on 8 October.

Azmeel’s brother, Shahil Mohamed, was also arrested.

The four men were produced before the Criminal Court and remanded in custody for 15 days.

A police media official said the case of the four involved had been sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

All but one of the men have been released, following the completion of investigation.

The remaining suspect is due to be produced in court today for a decision on his remand.

The men face charges relating to drug possession, use and trafficking.

According to the arrest warrant, police forced open the room where the suspects were staying. Officers who entered the room reported finding drugs in plain sight on a table.

During a closed court hearing, police said the quantity of drugs seized met the threshold for trafficking.

Under current Maldivian law, drug trafficking can carry a life sentence. The previous maximum life sentence of 25 years has been abolished.