Police officer suspended after arrest in drug operation

A police officer arrested during a drug and liquor operation in K. Thulusdhoo last month has been suspended from duty, police confirmed on Saturday.

A total of seven people were arrested during the operation conducted on 17 October at a guesthouse on the island. Police identified the officer as Constable Aminath Maya Hussain Basheer.

The police had not previously released details of the operation. However, following reports on social media revealing that a police officer had been detained, the police confirmed the arrest in response to media queries.

According to police, four men and three women were arrested following a tip-off that they were in possession of, using, and trading liquor illegally. The suspects included a 20-year-old woman, three 23-year-old men and one woman, a 26-year-old woman, and a 27-year-old man.

“They were arrested after police recovered two 500ml bottles and a cup of suspected liquor from the guesthouse,” an official said.

Police added that all seven suspects were released without being presented to court, as their urine tests were negative for drugs. The case, however, remains under investigation. It is unclear why they were released without a court hearing, as suspects in similar cases are typically produced before court even when test results are negative.

The Professional Standards Command conducted an internal inquiry into the officer’s involvement. Following the review, the Disciplinary Board recommended the officer’s dismissal from the police service.

Police confirmed that Constable Maya has been suspended pending further action. It remains unclear whether a final decision has been made on her dismissal.