Police Officer Dies After Going Missing During Anti-Drug Operation

MALE’ — A police officer who went missing during a special anti-narcotics operation in the early hours of Wednesday was found dead underwater, the Maldives Police Service has confirmed.

The officer, Ahmed Aasif, 33, was from Uligam in Haa Alif Atoll. He was serving aboard Police Launch when he was reported missing during the operation. A search began immediately and he was found on the seabed.

Aasif was taken to Mathiveri Health Centre in Alif Alif Atoll, but was already dead on arrival.

Police said the Maldives Police Service is supporting Aasif’s family and colleagues. The service also thanked members of the public who assisted during the search.

The circumstances of his death are under investigation.