The Maldives Police Service has apprehended two expatriate men following a targeted raid on a safari vessel, where authorities seized a significant quantity of alcohol, suspected illicit drugs, and cash.

According to remand orders issued by the Criminal Court, the suspects have been identified as Md Fazlee Rabbi, 26, and Md Shahajan Sawal, 36, both Bangladeshi nationals. The arrests were made after police boarded the vessel under a court warrant and observed the suspects attempting to conceal themselves in a cabin on the upper deck.

A search of the individuals and the premises uncovered 10 suspected illegal pills in the pocket of one suspect and an additional 24 pills hidden in a wooden container. Furthermore, police discovered numerous bottles of suspected alcohol stashed in the cabin, beneath the vessel’s floorboards, and within the engine room.

Authorities also recovered a substantial sum of money from Md Shahajan. The court order noted that the suspect admitted the alcohol was provided by a third party for distribution and that he was profiting from the sales. The Criminal Court has ordered Md Rabbi to be remanded for 16 days, while Md Shahajan received a 30-day remand as the investigation continues.