Two men have been arrested and formally charged for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering following an operation by the Maldives Police Service in Fuvahmulah City.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed charges against Ahmed Niushad, 34, of Karankaa Villa, Dhoodigan, Fuvahmulah and Hassan Azim, 29, of Zamaanee Villa, Dhoodigan, Fuvahmulah. 

Both suspects face charges related to participation in a criminal organization and money laundering.

At the time of his arrest, Niushad had MVR 21,855,766.99 in his account, while Azim had MVR 5,998,696.60. 

The money laundering charges were filed against him because he had used the money suspected to have been obtained by crime.

The government has moved to seize assets linked to the case, including MVR 1,194,290.3 held in an Islamic Bank account, four motorcycles, five cars, a boat, and a collection of exotic birds, 29 Sun Conure parrots and nine Ringneck parrots.