The two individuals charged with operating a major drug trafficking operation in Fuvahmulah City have been returned to jail while awaiting the conclusion of their trial.

Ahmed Niushad, aged 35, and Hassan Azim, aged 30, both hailing from the Dhoodigan area of Fuvahmulah, were first detained on December 9, 2024. The pair was first held in trial awaiting the verdict from the Fuvahmulah Magistrate Court, but was released on January 9, 2025, following the High Court's decision to reverse their detention after an appeal.

On March 18, 2025, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) accused them of involvement in a criminal organization and laundering money.

On Monday, the police rearrested Niushad and Azim, stating concerns that they might attempt to tamper with witnesses.

The judge ordered their detention in jail while awaiting the results of their trial when they were brought before the court on Tuesday.

In the case investigation, authorities found more than MVR 21 million in transactions through Niushad’s bank account during a five-year span, and over MVR 7 million in transactions through Azim’s account over two years.