Two Arrested in Hulhumalé Over Drug Offences and Financial Blackmail

News

The Maldives Police Service has arrested two individuals — a 32-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman — in connection with separate cases involving drug-related offences and blackmail involving financial extortion.

According to police, the arrests were made following an investigation launched after a complaint was filed 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. The case is being treated as one of blackmail, threats, and extortion, and is being investigated separately from the drug-related charges.

During a court-authorised search of the male suspect’s residence in Hulhumalé, police recovered multiple SIM cards, mobile phones, and suspected narcotics. Meanwhile, the female suspect was arrested separately after a similar substance was found in her possession.

The 32-year-old man is being investigated for drug trafficking in addition to the blackmail allegations, while the 33-year-old woman faces charges of drug dealing.

Both individuals were presented before the Criminal Court, which ordered them to be remanded in custody for seven days pending further investigation. Police emphasized that while both suspects are connected to narcotics investigations, the blackmail case and the drug offences are being treated as distinct cases.

The Maldives Police Service stated that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided as necessary.