Three Sri Lankan nationals have been arrested in Malé on suspicion of possessing and dealing alcohol.

The Maldives Police Service identified the suspects as Mahess Indrajith Silva (42), Kalyani Edirisinghe Appuhamilage (48), and Manjula Kumara Ratnayake Mudiyanse (50).

The arrests were made on April 28 during a joint operation conducted by Counter-Narcotics Intelligence and Drug Enforcement, following a search of a residence in the capital.

During the raid, authorities seized 24 bottles (500ml) of suspected alcohol and a tub containing a substance believed to be alcohol. Additionally, police discovered over MVR 38,000 and more than USD 1,100 in cash.

Police stated that after completing the necessary legal procedures, the three suspects were handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation.

The case remains under investigation.