The government has intensified its campaign against illicit narcotics, reporting the confiscation of 1.1 tonnes of drugs over the past two years. The operations, conducted jointly by the Maldives Police Service, Maldives Customs Service and Maldives Immigration, constitute the largest seizure within such a period in the nation’s history.
Ali Ihusaan, the minister of homeland security and technology, said the haul carried an estimated street value of USD 142.79 million, underscoring the scale of the crisis and the administration’s resolve to dismantle trafficking networks. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s government has enacted legislative amendments to close loopholes that previously shielded traffickers, with officials confirming the detention of more than 100 individuals directly involved in the trade.
Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen reported that 951 arrests have been made this year alone, with narcotics valued at USD 56.10 million confiscated and hundreds of cases referred to the Prosecutor General. The revised legislation introduces capital punishment for smuggling significant quantities of narcotics, contingent upon unanimous agreement from the Supreme Court bench. In cases lacking unanimity, offenders face life imprisonment and fines of up to USD 648,453.61. Authorities also confirmed that 121 foreign nationals implicated in trafficking have been transferred to immigration custody for deportation.