Six expats have been arrested in Malé on allegations of possessing and consuming alcohol, according to the Maldives Police Service.

The arrests were carried out during a joint operation conducted by the Counter Narcotics Intelligence Unit and the Drug Enforcement Department.

As part of the operation, police searched a café and a residential property located in the Maafannu area of Male’.

During the search, officers seized 21 bottles of suspected liquor, each with a capacity of 500 millilitres. 

Police said the seized items are believed to be alcoholic beverages prohibited by law.

Police named the individuals as Chaudhary Srendra (43y), Suganda Kumar Chaudhary (28y), Chaudhary (24y), Makar Bahadhur Taman (27y), Bishwanath Chaudhary (37y) and Ramri Maya Vaiba(27y), and they are all from Nepal.

Following their arrest, the individuals were handed over to Maldives Immigration for further action, including deportation, and the investigation id ongoing, police confirmed.

Authorities reiterated that such enforcement operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal substances and uphold public order in the capital.