14 individuals have been arrested and a large quantity of drugs has been seized during an operation conducted in Fuvahmulah City.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that they have begun an operation in the southern city, in a bid to ensure the city is safe from the influence of drugs.

The operation comes as part of the police institution’s efforts to obstruct drug smuggling and trafficking attempts across the island nation and crackdown on such networks.

As part of the operation being conducted since May 1, officers have been seeking out individuals and groups linked to drug smuggling, peddling and trade and raiding several regions and residences of the city.

A total of 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the operation so far.

Officers have also confiscated 760.45 grams of drugs.

Presently, only five suspects remain in police custody.

A group of individuals was arrested for obstructing law enforcement on June 25, as part of the operation.

As such, three were arrested in Fuvahmulah City, for obstructing police officers who were conducting a drug operation in Dhoondigan district of the southern city.

The individuals are to have obstructed law enforcement officers and created chaos, as the officers were making an arrest in connection with the drug operation. Being arrested was a man who was accused of drug possession.

An officer was injured during the altercation, according to the police institution.

According to the police institution, they have been receiving cooperation and support from the city’s resident’s in conducting the operation smoothly.