The Prosecutor General's Office has prosecuted the suspects apprehended attempting to smuggle 70-kilogram worth of illicit narcotic substances.
The suspects had attempted to smuggle the substances into Maldivian territory via a vessel originating from Iran.
Maldives Prosecutor General's Office confirm the suspects are tried for the offenses of smuggling narcotics into Maldives as well as the attempted smuggle of narcotics.
The trials will continue at the Criminal Court of Maldives.
A joint operation by Maldives Police Service and the Coast Guard division of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) resulted in the apprehension of the suspects on 07 October 2019.
The smugglers were attempting to bring in the substances on an Iranian-origin vessel entitled 'Al Shaban.'
Authorities apprehended the vessel approximately 172 miles-northwest off the coast of Haa Alif atoll Thuraakunu.
The vessel was brought under authority custody while treading through a Special Economic Zone - marked by Maldives government.
Police had since, revealed details of the suspects apprehended in the drug smuggling incident.
The suspects include locals named Anwar Mohamed, 35, Seenu Atoll Hithadhoo, Ahmed Shakeeb, 42, Kaafu atoll Dhiffushi and Mohamed Rifshan, 23, Laamu atoll Gan.
Additionally, four other locals along with six on board the ship and two expatriates were arrested in relation to the case.
