The Maldives Police Service has arrested an Indian national in Hulhumalé Phase 1 on suspicion of illegal alcohol trafficking. The arrest was executed during a coordinated operation involving Counter Narcotics Intelligence and the Hulhumalé Special Enforcement unit.

According to official reports, the suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Dinesh Kumar Murugesan. He was intercepted on Diggaa Magu on the night of July 23, where an initial search led to the discovery of 18 bottles suspected to contain liquor.

Following the initial apprehension, authorities conducted a search of the suspect’s residence, where an additional 53 bottles of suspected liquor were found, bringing the total seizure to 71 bottles. The suspect was subsequently presented before the court, which ordered his remand in custody for a period of three days. The Maldives Police Service is continuing its investigation into the case.