A senior individual within a widespread drug trafficking network operating in Addu City has been arrested.

Police reported today that the arrest was made last night as part of "Operation Alimagu," an ongoing initiative to combat illicit drug activities.

"Police initiated an investigation into drug trafficking and money laundering targeting key figures of this network in March of this year. It has been uncovered by the police that this network has been engaged in drug trade since 2017," the police stated.

According to the police, over the past five years, more than MVR 19 million in Maldivian currency has been transacted through the accounts of four leading individuals within this network.

Police further noted that this is an ongoing operation, and additional information will be shared as the investigation progresses.