Foreign nationals arrested in illegal alcohol case

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.