The Maldives plans to bring a full container scanner into operation within the next four months at its main port, as part of efforts to prevent drug trafficking, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has said.
Speaking at a press conference held on the occasion of the World No Tobacco Day, Minister Ihusaan noted the importance of enforcing the law, highlighting the government’s increased efforts against the import of vapes and other prohibited items.
The minister said border security has been tightened through intelligence analysis-led operations, helping authorities to seize more illegal goods. He added that the rise in seizures shows that law enforcement agencies have strengthened their enforcement work. Once Customs screening is fully expanded, with more comprehensive checks, the detection of smuggled goods is expected to improve further.
According to the minister, a full container scanner that can scan is being installed through cooperation between Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Maldives Customs Service.
One of the key decisions taken by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to address drug trafficking was the centralisation of agencies dealing with the issue under a single ministry. Authorities are working both to prevent drug smuggling into the Maldives and to reduce domestic demand for drugs.
All packages imported by air are now being scanned, whereas previously only random checks were conducted. Over the past two and a half years, authorities have seized 1,294 kilograms of drugs.