The Maldives Police Service has arrested two individuals in connection with separate cases of drug-related offences and blackmail involving financial extortion.

The suspects, a 32 year-old man, and 33 year-old woman, were taken into custody as part of ongoing investigations. The male suspect is being investigated for blackmail, threats, extortion, and drug trafficking, while the woman was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing.

Police launched an investigation following a report received on 19 December 2024, alleging that the male suspect had extorted over MVR 300,000 from a local man by threatening to release compromising images. Authorities confirmed that the blackmail and drug cases are being treated as separate matters.

During a court-authorised search of the male suspect's residence in Hulhumalé, officers recovered multiple SIM cards, mobile phones, and suspected narcotics. A similar substance was also found on the female suspect at the time of her arrest. Both suspects were presented before the Criminal Court and have been remanded in custody for seven days as the investigations proceed.