The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has confirmed that 97 individuals have been taken into custody as part of a large-scale operation launched Thursday morning targeting drug trafficking networks.

The operation, titled Operation ‘Alimagu’, is currently underway with investigations ongoing.

According to the police institution, a total of 86 locations have been searched so far. Authorities have also shared images on social media displaying the drugs and cash seized during the operation, which is being carried out under the directive of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Earlier, the president announced that he had instructed police to launch a nationwide crackdown on individuals involved in drug trafficking as part of the government’s broader effort to eliminate drug abuse and trafficking from the Maldives.

He noted that over 100 locations across the country were being searched simultaneously and that the operation involved more than 500 police officers.

MPS stated that the intelligence-based operation began at 5:30am on Thursday and described Operation ‘Alimagu’ as the most extensive anti-drug initiative conducted in recent years.