4 arrested in Vilimalé drug operation released as police conclude investigation

Four people arrested during a police operation in Vilimalé on 8 October have been released from custody following the completion of the investigation and referral of the case to the Prosecutor General's Office.

The four, who include individuals associated with the film industry, were identified as Ahmed Azmeel (Azey), Ismail Jumaih, Mohamed Vishal (Roman) and Shahil Mohamed, who is reportedly Azmeel's younger brother.

Police said on Thursday that the investigation had been completed and the case forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office for a decision on prosecution.

According to police, three of the suspects had already been released, while the fourth was expected to be released later on Thursday.

"If the court orders their further detention as the case proceeds through the judicial process, we will comply with that order," police said in a statement issued to the media.

The four were arrested during an operation conducted in Vilimalé earlier this month.

According to separate detention orders previously issued by the Criminal Court, police officers who attended the location reported finding drugs openly displayed in the room occupied by the four suspects.

The court documents indicated that the quantity of drugs recovered met the threshold for drug trafficking, although the orders did not specify the exact quantity.

The detention orders also showed that three of the suspects — Azmeel, Vishal and Shahil — had previous arrest records.