Maldives Police Service has arrested two foreign nationals in Hulhumalé on suspicion of possessing, consuming, and illegally selling alcohol.

The suspects have been identified as Bangladeshi nationals Al-Nooman, 31, and Rakeeb-ul Hassan Pappoon, 20.

According to police, the arrests were made during a targeted operation launched after receiving intelligence about suspected illegal alcohol sales in Hulhumalé.

Officers from Hulhumalé Phase I Police searched the apartment where the two suspects were living on Friday.

During the operation, authorities seized 15 bottles of alcohol believed to be linked to the investigation.

Following a court remand hearing, Al-Nooman was ordered to remain in custody for five days, while Rakeeb-ul Hassan Pappoon was remanded for 10 days as the investigation continues.

Police said further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the suspected illegal alcohol operation.