Authorities have apprehended a group of individuals for the illegal trade of alcohol aboard a safari vessel anchored in the Hulhumalé lagoon.

The Maldives Police Service stated that the operation was executed based on information gathered by the Counter Narcotics Intelligence unit. During the raid, conducted under a court warrant on December 31, 2025, officers seized 102 bottles and 218 cans of alcoholic beverages from the vessel.

The individuals arrested in connection with the case include MD Shekar Hossain (Indian national, 34), Russell Mia (Bangladeshi national, 35), Pubudu Asela Bandara Dolosba Gedara (Sri Lankan national, 27), Tharaka Saman Kumara Deva (Sri Lankan national, 35), and Mohamed Manik (52, from H. Binmatheeage, Malé).

Following their production in court for a remand hearing, the court ordered a five-day detention for Shekar Hossain and Russell Mia. Pubudu Asela and Tharaka Saman were remanded for seven days, while Mohamed Manik was granted a three-day remand.

The police are currently continuing their investigation into the matter.