MALE: Police have arrested the second of six drug lords, mentioned by President Nasheed , along with cash over Rf.6 million , in a special operation launched in Addu Atoll. At a press conference held on Thursday, Police have said the arrestee Adam Naseer Abu Bakar, age 39 years, of H. Reedhooge, is believed to one of the six top drug dealers in Maldives. Speaking at the press conference, Chief Superintendent Ahmed Muneer said after the arrest of Ahmed Naseer, his residence in Male’ was searched. Chief Superintendent Muneer said the search revealed Rf. 5,390,000 and US $ 43,400 concealed in a hidden compartment inside a cupboard located inside him room. Police also said the compartment was sealed off and that Adam Naseer’s finger print is found on the seal. Police, at the news conference, also displayed the money stored inside the compartment.

“We found some Rf. 36,240 in his wife’s handbag as some dollars as well, we also the registration certificates of a car and cycle, under his name, in a drawer inside a cupboard in his room” Chief Superintendent Muneer said. Further Chief Superintendent said HSBC Visa Gold Card and Cash Card were also found inside the drawer.

Adam Naseer was also arrested in 2007 in connection to the 2 kilogram drug bust. He was consequently sued on bribing the police but was later acquitted as case against could not be proven. Speaking via a video link from Addu Atoll, Inspector of Police Mohamed Jinah said Ahmed Naseer was arrested in Addu Atoll where he was dealing drugs on a wide scale under the pretext of engaging in farming.

Inspector of Police Jinah said following reports that Ahmed Naseer used to take buried items from his farm site to his Addu residence was searched and that substances believed to be drugs were found. Jinah further said these substances were believed to be heroine.

“We found these drugs, inside the court yard of the house, near cement bags placed near a transformer, these drugs are brought from Male’ and are sold off in Addu Atoll” Inspector Jinah said.

Inspector of Police Ahmed Jinah said police intelligence has identified Ahmed Naseer as the main drug supplier for the 4 southern atolls. Police also showed a video of Adam Naseer trafficking drugs inside an uninhabited house adjacent to his Addu residence.

Police also said a search of Ahmed Naseer’s Addu residence revealed the opulent nature of lifestyle. Police said his room was built to exceptional high quality and even his furniture and household equipment was of top quality.

Police also said they have been following Adam Naseer for the last six months and that following his arrest Adam Naseer’s lawyer has also arrived in Addu Atoll.

Home Minister Mohamed Shihab and Police Commissioner Ahmed Faseeh have issued press statements regarding the arrest.