A police officer taking part in a major counter-narcotics operation in AA. Himandhoo has been found dead.

The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Ahmed Asif from HA. Uligamu.

Police stated that the officer went missing late last night during an operation, among the officers present in "Police Launch 57" prompting an immediate search effort by the crew.

During the search, he was discovered underwater. Police noted that his body has been taken to the AA. Mathiveri Health Centre, which confirmed that he was already deceased upon arrival.

In this time of grief, the police are providing the necessary support to the deceased officer's family and colleagues. The police institution also acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the public during the search operation.

The police are currently investigating the incident.

Asif was attached to the Drug Enforcement Department (DED) in Malé. He had traveled to Himandhoo as part of a specialized police team dispatched from Malé specifically to execute the anti-drug operation on the island.