Author: Minivan News

Police find snake during drugs raid

Police have seized a 4ft snake following a drugs raid in Himmafushi, Kaafu atoll, today.

Local media have reported the snake to be a royal python – a non-venemous African species often kept as pets.

Police were said to have arrested seven individuals during the operation -which included searches of 11 houses over a twelve hour period.

All those arrested tested positive for drugs.

The snake is not the first exotic animal discovered during the police’s recent campaign on illegal drugs. During an operation in Malé’s Maafanu ward in January, police discovered a slow loris along with cash and drugs.

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Police bust trafficking network, arrest man with swallowed drugs

Maldives Police Service (MPS) arrested a 44 year old man in Male’ who had swallowed drugs, at midnight yesterday (March 3). After scanning the person at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, police was able to confirm that he had drugs inside his body.

In addition to him, another 21 year old who helped accommodate the person was also arrested. Police also searched a house in Male’ in the operation and found related documents and more than US$4000 in cash.

As the investigations continue, the police are now looking for a suspect believed to be part of this trafficking network – Mohamed Ihsan Saeed, 24.
According to MPS Ihsan has prior criminal records such as gang activity, disobeying police orders and damaging police property.

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British tourist drowned while snorkelling

The body of a British tourist – missing since Saturday – has been found off the coast of Biyaadhoo resort in South Malé atoll.

The 65 year old man who had not been seen since going to snorkel alone is presumed to have drowned. His body has been taken to Maafushi Health Centre.

A recent spate of drowning incidents in the Maldives – more often including Chinese tourists – last month prompted the Ministry of Tourism to consult industry stakeholders and relevant government authorities regarding ways to improve safety.

A questionnaire was subsequently sent to all tourist establishments to gather more information on these incidents before a forum is held later this month.

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US embassy donates books worth US$13,000 in Gnaviyani atoll

The US Embassy, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has delivered US$13,000 (MVR201,000) worth of books to the Gnyaviyani Atoll Education Center in Fuvahmulah.

“These books, aimed at primary and secondary grades, will help teachers and students develop their English language skills so they can enhance their opportunities for further education and a dynamic future,” said Ambassador Michele Sison at a ceremony held yesterday (March 2).

“We are proud to support the success of Maldivian students through the friendship and goodwill of the American people,” she continued.

An embassy press release revealed that yesterday’s donation was the first of eleven planned for the outer atolls. The donation was made possible by the NGOs Spirit of America and the Asia Foundation.

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Hajj Corporation reaches quota limit, begins registration for 2015

The Hajj Corporation has reached the limit of its quota of 370 slots for this year’s Hajj pilgrims as hundreds continued to queue outside its registration offices in Dharubaaruge.

The announcement that the limit has been reached in the early hours of Tuesday led to voices of discord among the hundreds in line. Police later assisted in dispersing the crowds of would-be pilgrims gathered at the location.

The state owned Hajj Corporation has reserved 30 of the 400 slots it received – half of the total quota allowed to the Maldives from the Saudi Arabian government – for the security forces and other officials who will be performing Hajj while assisting pilgrims.

The remaining 400 slots are reserved for those who wish to apply to join the pilgrimage through private hajj groups, though the Anti Corruption Commission has called for the groups’ bidding process to be revised.

Each pilgrim needs to pay MVR 69,965 (US$4,537) as total payment to the Hajj Corporation. Those who have previously performed the Hajj pilgrimage are not eligible to apply via the state corporation.

On Tuesday morning, the Hajj Corporation commenced accepting applications and payments from those who wishes to perform Hajj pilgrimage in the next year.

Under a programme termed ‘Long term initiative to fulfill Hajj pilgrimage saving package’, the corporation will be accepting applications for 2015 until 2pm on Wednesday afternoon (March 5).

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Police seize drugs worth over MVR70,000

Police have arrested a 19-year-old man from the island of Thinadhoo in Gaaf Dhaalu atoll with 271 cellophane packets containing illicit narcotics.

According to police media, the street value of the drugs is estimated to be in excess of MVR70,000 (US$4,540).

The suspect was taken into custody around 10:00am this morning by the Thinadhoo police station following intelligence information indicating that he was peddling drugs.

The drugs were found in the suspect’s room, which was raided by police with a search warrant.

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MP Alhan Fahmy returns to Malé following stabbing

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Alhan Fahmy has returned to the Maldives after recuperating in Sri Lanka following a stab attack in Malé last month.

Local media reported that the Feydhoo constituency member returned yesterday, walking with a crutch following initial fears that the wound received to his back may have caused permanent paralysis.

Alhan, set to contest for his parliamentary seat as an independent later this month, is said to be planning a press conference in the near future, reported Haveeru.

The Civil Court last week accepted the MP’s request to look into the MDP’s Feydhoo primary contest – which took place just days before the attack. Alhan has claimed the vote was fraudulent.

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Parliament’s newly appointed security officers commence duties

Despite 25 independent security officers having commenced work in the Majlis, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is still continuing to provide security services to the Majlis, parliament has said.

The decision to appoint a Serjeant at Arms to the People’s Majlis was made shortly after an MP was forcefully removed from the premises last October on the orders of the Supreme Court.

Majlis Speaker Abdulla Shahid said at the the time that the MNDF – which has traditionally overseen security at the Majlis – had ignored his orders on the day of the incident.

Parliament’s Consul General Ahmed Mohamed has declined to comment on the respective mandates of the private and MNDF security officers, according to local media.

The Defence Ministry has criticised the establishment of an independent security unit, claiming that the MNDF is required by the constitution to provide such services.

The 25 officers were selected from among 267 applicants. The parliament announced that inclusive of allowances, each officer would be earning a monthly salary of MVR 14,350.

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Marijuana plant found in Noonu Maafaru

A marijuana plant was discovered in Noonu Maafaru yesterday from a fenced-in area designated for developing a regional airport.

A team from the Manadhoo police station went to Maafaru upon receiving information of the plant on Saturday morning.

The investigating team said that the plant was five-feet tall. The case is under investigation by the Manadhoo police station.

Earlier this month, a marijuana plant was found in the artificial beach area of the capital Male’.

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