A drug lord has been arrested in Hulhumalé during a controlled delivery operation conducted by police.

Police arrested Abdulla Thaif (32) of M. Lyons on suspicion of importing and trafficking narcotics into the Maldives.

When produced before the Criminal Court yesterday to determine his remand, the court ordered him remanded in custody until the end of trial. The court noted his involvement in smuggling large quantities of drugs into the country by air, stating that given the nature of the crime and how it was carried out, his release would pose a danger to society.

According to the court order, Thaif was the individual who went to collect drugs imported via air transport on April 14 by Aminath Shafag (32) of Ma. Morningview.

Shafaq had smuggled the drugs into the Maldives concealed in her body. Police stated that she imported 31 grams of cocaine. Shafaq was arrested and remanded for 30 days in connection with the case.

The court order stated that Thaif was apprehended during a controlled delivery operation executed following the drugs imported by Shafaq. Based on communications between Shafaq and Thaif instructing the suspected narcotics to be placed in the pocket of a motorcycle (Cubix, registration AA0L 8828P) parked at the MPL Tower parking area, police placed the items in the motorcycle pocket and monitored the area. Thaif was arrested when he arrived, mounted the motorcycle, and started the engine.

According to the court order, Thaif refused to answer questions after police retrieved the suspected items from the motorcycle pocket. Additionally, during a search of his apartment room, officers found a cellophane packet containing suspected narcotics in the pocket of a shirt inside his wardrobe, along with a digital scale and empty cellophane packets.

Police are continuing to investigate the case.