A 32-year-old Maldivian man has been arrested in connection with an alleged drug smuggling case into Maldives, with authorities also suspecting his involvement in the use and distribution of the drugs.

Ali Ameen was arrested on January 7, 2-25, following a controlled delivery operation initiated by the Maldives Customs Service. The operation was triggered after a package, which had been shipped through the FedEx Courier Service, was intercepted by Customs. The package was subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.

In a joint effort between the Counter-Narcotics Intelligence and Drug Enforcement authorities, Ameen was apprehended. During a search, a rubber packet containing substances suspected to be drugs was recovered. Preliminary weighing of the materials indicated a total weight of 213 grams.

The accused was presented before the Criminal Court and remanded in police custody for seven days while investigations continue. Investigations are ongoing.