Three Arrested at Velana International Airport Over Six Kilogrammes of Drugs

Three individuals have been arrested at Velana International Airport (VIA) in connection with the attempted smuggling of over six kilogrammes of illicit drugs into the Maldives. The arrests, made on 3 March, followed an operation by the Maldives Customs Service, which subsequently handed the suspects over to the Maldives Police Service.

Details of Arrests and Remand

The arrested individuals have been identified as Ali Irfaan, a 28-year-old Maldivian from Hithilage, G. Dh. Gaddhoo; Danushkaanthan Gopal, a 19-year-old Indian national; and Kathirivil Manimaran, a 21-year-old Indian national.

Upon their presentation to court for a remand hearing, Ali Irfaan was remanded until the conclusion of the trial. The other two suspects, Danushkaanthan Gopal and Kathirivil Manimaran, were remanded for a period of five days.

Ongoing Investigation

The Maldives Police Service’s Drug Enforcement Department is currently conducting further investigations into the case.