A 25-year-old police officer was arrested following an attempt to smuggle drugs into Th. Vandhoo by concealing the illicit substances inside a teddy bear.
In a statement shared with the media today, the Maldives Police Service identified the suspect as Mohamed Nawaz, a resident of Dhilaasage in Thaa Atoll Hirilandhoo. The arrest took place after authorities conducted a targeted operation to intercept the drugs.
Upon taking the suspect into custody, officers performed a thorough search of his person and belongings. During the inspection, investigators noticed that a teddy bear in the officer's possession appeared to have been recently resewn. When they opened the toy, they discovered five rubber packets containing substances suspected to be illegal narcotics.
While the specific type and weight of the drugs found within the teddy bear have not yet been disclosed by the authorities, the evidence was seized for further forensic analysis.
In addition to the physical evidence recovered at the scene, the police confirmed that Mohamed Nawaz underwent a diagnostic urine test following his arrest. The results of the screening returned positive for the presence of drugs in his system.
Police has announced that Nawaz has been formally suspended from his duties effective immediately as the criminal investigation proceeds.
