Policewoman and former journalist arrested in drug bust positive for cocaine

The two people arrested from Male’ in a counter-narcotics operation on Friday, including a policewoman, both tested positive for cocaine.

The duo was arrested on Friday morning from near the Masjid Al-Sultan Muhammad Bin Abdullah, commonly known as the Viyafaariveringe Mosque, in a joint operation by Drug Enforcement and Police Intelligence.

They are:

• Aishath Shiyaza, 31, Dhilbahaaruge, ADh. Kunburudhoo
• Saifulla Ahmed, 26, Hazaarumaage, HA. Dhidhdhoo

Shiyaza is a police officer, who has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

Meanwhile, Saifulla is a journalist-turned-pilot, who won the Maldives Media Council’s 2024 Journalism Award in the lifestyle category.

They were presented before the Criminal Court for their remand hearing on Saturday.

Court documents show the duo is under investigation for the possession, use and peddling of narcotics.

Police told the court that the duo was arrested in an operation run based on intel that they were on their way to collect drugs. The police stopped the motorcycle they were on, and found three rubber packets containing over two grams of drugs from the handbag of the policewoman.

Both Shiyaza and Saifulla also tested positive for cocaine.

Saifulla was remanded in custody of the police for 10 days, while Shiyaza was remanded for five days, after she asked for time to appoint a lawyer.

The case is under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Department.

Drug addiction is the biggest social issue facing the Maldives. The police received reports of 1,673 drug-related cases last year, and 1,010 such cases so far this year.