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MNDF also involved in operation to identify contraband smuggling network

Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has said today that the operation to identify and intercept the network working to smuggle contraband into Maafushi Prison, with MNDF also now working with Police and Corrections.

Mariyath Mohamed
01 July 2024, MVT 14:35
Home minister's visit to Maafushi Prison.-- Photo: MoHST
Mariyath Mohamed
01 July 2024, MVT 14:35

Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has said today that the operation to identify and intercept the network working to smuggle contraband into Maafushi Prison, with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) also now working with Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Maldives Correctional Service.

Police started a special operation last Friday due to allegations that phones and narcotics were being smuggled into prisons with the complicity of prison officers. While 18 prison officers are accused of being part of this network, 13 have now been arrested and are remanded in custody.

Of these, 9 officers were arrested in Maafushi, while two were arrested from Kaashidhoo, and one each from Utheemu and Male'.

A total of MVR 73.6 million was deposited in their bank accounts over the past year. Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdulla Shareef earlier said that MVR 24 million was deposited in one officer's bank account through multiple transactions.

Home minister's visit to Maafushi Prison.-- Photo: MoHST

While MNDF, MPS and Corrections are currently collaborating in this operation, the Ministry said that Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan and Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau visited the Maafushi Prison today to observe progress.

As per the MNDF Act, MNDF can only get involved in an operation being run by the Police through an official request from the Police.

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