More than MVR 300 million was circulated in the bank accounts connected to four people arrested from Gaaf Alif atoll with alleged links to a drug network, police have said.

In a statement, police said the network became active in 2015 and an investigation targeting its members began in March 2025.

Four members of the network were arrested on January 11. All of them belong to Gaaf Alif Villingili island.

The suspects are Shaffah Latheef, 28, Ahmed Madheeh, 33, Ahmed Anam Ibrahim, 30, and Nooruh Nizam, 35.

Three of them were remanded in custody for the duration of the trial, while Nooruh Nizam was remanded for 15 days.

According to police, more than MVR 300 million and USD 400,000 have been transferred to the accounts of the network members in the past five years alone.

Police highlighted the difference between their annual salaries and the amount circulated through the bank accounts.

MVR 271,874.32 was deposited as Anam's salary, but MVR 38.8 million had allegedly been circulated in his account.

MVR 430,638.99 was deposited as Madheeh's salary, but MVR 17.1 million was circulated in his account.

MVR 371,635.36 was deposited as Shaffah's salary, but MVR 6.9 million was circulated in his account.

Police said 53 bank accounts of 13 individuals have been frozen under a court order in connection with the case.

Police have identified 19 people linked to the network and further investigations are underway.