Authorities in the Maldives have arrested four expatriates on charges of possessing, using, and selling alcohol, following separate police operations in Male’ and Hulhumale’.
Sri Lankan Nationals Arrested in Male’
Three Sri Lankan men were detained last Wednesday during an operation led by the Counter Narcotics Intelligence and Drug Enforcement Department. The men were identified as Senith Heshan Vikramasinghe, 29, Dulith Madusaka, 39, and Jinith Maduranga Senavirathin, 24.
The arrests took place after officers received intelligence about the illegal activities. Police searched a residence in the Henveiru ward of Male’ as well as a motorcycle linked to the suspects. During the search, officers seized 19 bottles and 12 cans of alcohol.
Following the operation, police confirmed that the three Sri Lankans have been handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation proceedings.
Bangladeshi Man Caught in Hulhumale’
In a separate case, a Bangladeshi national, Jahangir Hosein, 35, was arrested on Friday in Hulhumale’ Phase 1. Police reported that he was stopped on Reethigas Magu while driving a motorcycle, after officers noticed suspicious behavior.
A search of his motorcycle uncovered nine 500ml bottles of suspected liquor. The Criminal Court has since placed him in remand for ten days while investigations continue.
Police also confirmed that a Maldivian man was taken into custody last Thursday for alcohol possession. The arrest took place on August 25, when officers stopped a pickup truck and discovered 144 cans of alcohol inside.
The Maldives maintains strict laws on the sale and consumption of alcohol, restricting it primarily to resorts and licensed establishments catering to tourists. Recent arrests highlight ongoing enforcement efforts to curb the smuggling and illegal distribution of liquor in local communities.
Authorities say they will continue monitoring and conducting operations to address such cases, which they consider a growing concern in both the capital and surrounding areas.
