Over 1,000 beer cans seized from safari unlawfully selling alcohol

Maldives Police Service has seized over 1,000 beer cans from a safari that was illegally in possession and conducting sale of alcohol.

As per the Police, the items were seized from a safari off GDh. Gadhdhoo during an operation conducted based on a tip received to Drug Narcotics Intelligence informing of unlawful possession and sale of alcohol at the safari.

The seized items included 1,224 beer cans and 124 alcohol bottles which are presently under police custody.

The operation carried out by Narcotic Intelligence in collaboration with Gadhdhoo Police Station on Saturday also saw the arrest of two people who have since been released after questioning.

The case is under investigation by the Police.

Speaking at a Home Ministry press conference on Tuesday, Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana said efforts were underway to ensure safaris disbursed alcohol by Customs conform with the regulations.

In this regard, she noted that six safaris that violated regulations have been fined and are currently under investigation.

Home Minister Ali Ihusan said despite Customs disbursing alcohol to safaris in the capacity of tourist businesses, reports have been received of safaris selling alcohol to locals.

Such safaris, will not be disbursed alcohol said the Minister, while stressing illegal sale of alcohol will not bee allowed in the Maldives. In this regard, he warned of the harshest punishment allowed by law against safaris that violate their permits.