The Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) has formally charged two individuals accused of operating a large-scale drug trafficking network in Fuvahmulah.

The suspects, Ahmed Niushad, 34, and Hassan Azim, 29, have been charged with participation in a criminal organisation and money laundering following an extensive investigation by the Maldives Police Service.

According to the PG Office, the charges stem from a police raid on a residence, where authorities discovered illegal drugs. A financial investigation into the bank statements of both suspects further revealed multiple small deposits linked to drug transactions. Azim and Niushad were allegedly running a drug network, paying dealers to operate on scheduled shifts and keeping detailed records of credit-based drug sales. The operation reportedly functioned until August 1, 2024, with instructions being passed down through different levels of the network.

Azim is charged with money laundering for possessing and using MVR 5.99 million, which was deposited into his accounts between July 1, 2019, and August 1, 2024, through transactions linked to drug-related activities. Niushad faces similar money laundering charges, accused of holding and using MVR 21.8 million deposited into his accounts during the same period through drug-related transactions.

In addition to filing charges, the PG Office has requested the confiscation of assets believed to have been acquired through proceeds from drug trafficking. The requested forfeitures include MVR 1 million held in Maldives Islamic Bank, four motorcycles, five cars, one sea vessel, 29 Sun Conure parrots, and nine Ringneck parrots.

Police allege that Niushad and Azim were the key leaders of the drug network in Fuvahmulah.