Two people have been arrested after police recovered 17.7 kilograms of suspected drugs from two houses in GA. Maamendhoo.

The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted on September 2 by GA. Atoll Police under Upper South Police, the Counter Narcotics Intelligence unit and the Drug Enforcement Department.

Police said the two suspects were arrested on suspicion of importing and trafficking large quantities of drugs and are believed to be key figures in a drug importation network.

The suspects have been identified as 29-year-old Azhadh Naseem of Fiyaathoshivilla, GA. Maamendhoo, and 29-year-old Rishfan Ramiz of Roashaneege, GA. Maamendhoo.

According to police, the suspected drugs were recovered after officers searched two houses linked to the suspects under court warrants.

Both suspects were presented before the court for remand, with the court granting police five days to hold them in custody as investigations continue.

Police said searches of additional locations linked to the case are ongoing as part of the investigation.

The arrests come amid a series of drug-related operations conducted by police.

In a separate operation in Malé yesterday, three youths were arrested on suspicion of possessing more than one kilogram of suspected drugs and drug-infused vape cartridges.

Police said a search of a house in Maafannu during the operation led to the recovery of 1.7 kilograms of suspected drugs, 230 vape cartridges, 26 bottles of vape flavourings and a bottle of alcohol.

Investigations into both cases are ongoing.