GA. drug network: MVR 306m laundered; 53 accounts frozen
Police said four people were arrested after searches at 10 locations.
The Maldives Police Service said on Monday that a drug trafficking network based in Gaafu Alif Atoll laundered more than MVR 300 million and over USD 400,000 during the past five years, including MVR 38.8 million through the bank account of a former political appointee.
Police said 53 bank accounts belonging to 13 individuals have been frozen under a court order as part of the investigation.
The disclosures were made following arrests under Operation Alimagu, an anti-drug operation launched in November and carried out in Gaafu Alif Atoll and the Malé region on Sunday. Police said four people were arrested after searches at 10 locations.
Those arrested are:
-
Ahmed Anam Ibrahim, 30, Aizan, GA. Villingili
-
Shaffah Latheef, 28, Shevona, GA. Villingili
-
Ahmed Madhih, 33, Musiciage, GA. Villingili
-
Noorul Nizam, 35, Araairu, GA. Villingili
Ahmed Anam Ibrahim served as Senior Political Director at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and was dismissed from the post following his arrest.
According to police, the four suspects are believed to have led a drug trafficking and money laundering network that has been operating since 2015. A special investigation into the group was launched in March 2025.
Police said financial analysis showed:
-
MVR 17.2 million circulated through Ahmed Madhih’s bank accounts over five years, while his recorded salary during the period totalled MVR 430,638.99
-
MVR 38.8 million circulated through the accounts of Ahmed Anam Ibrahim, with recorded salary deposits of MVR 271,874.32
-
MVR 6.9 million circulated through Shaffah Latheef’s bank accounts, with salary deposits of MVR 371,635.36
Police said 19 individuals have been identified as being involved in drug trafficking and money laundering linked to the network, and investigations are ongoing.
Shafah Latheef, Ahmed Madhih and Ahmed Anam Ibrahim have been remanded in custody until the conclusion of trial proceedings. Noorul Nizam was remanded in custody for 15 days.
