Two young men have been arrested in Hulhumalé after police discovered 48 bottles of beer in their possession during a routine patrol on Thursday.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Maldives Police Service confirmed that the suspects were apprehended at the Hulhumalé Phase I jetty area near the Marrybrown outlet.

The individuals have been identified as a 23-year-old man from N. Kendhikulhudhoo and a 20-year-old man from F. Feeali.

Police said the pair came under suspicion while officers were conducting routine patrols in the area.

They were subsequently stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of two cases of beer, totalling 48 bottles, inside a bag in their possession.

Both suspects have been remanded in police custody for a period of seven days while investigations into the case continue.