29kg of drugs, MVR 188,000 seized nationwide in major drug operation
Operation Alimagu involved 500 police officers who searched 105 locations across 39 islands, resulting in 110 arrests with 38 individuals receiving extended remand periods
Some of the drugs and cash seized during the recently launched 'Operation Alimagu'
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has reported that ‘Operation Alimagu,’ a major nationwide crackdown on illicit drugs, has so far resulted in the seizure of 29.68 kilograms of drugs.
In addition to drugs, authorities confiscated cash from raided locations, with MVR 188,959.84 taken into police custody.
During a press briefing at Iskandar Koshi on Tuesday, police revealed that 500 officers participated in the operation, which covered 39 islands across five regions of the Maldives. A total of 105 locations were searched, resulting in the arrest of 110 individuals.
Urine tests indicated that 61 of those arrested tested positive for illicit drugs. Following court proceedings, remand periods for 38 of these individuals were extended.
The police institution released detailed information regarding the arrests and remands, including the specific atolls from which the individuals were apprehended.
According to the police, 12 of the arrested individuals were remanded for 30 days, while one individual was remanded until the conclusion of their trial. Seven individuals were remanded for 15 days, six for seven days, another six for five days, one for eight days, and two for ten days.
Authorities revealed that individuals involved in large-scale drug trafficking were apprehended in Gaaf Alif and Gaaf Dhaalu atolls. Two such traffickers were also arrested in Malé City. Police stated that investigations indicate these individuals were supplying illicit drugs across various parts of the Maldives.
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan described the operation as the start of stringent measures to halt drug trafficking, emphasizing that efforts would continue until trafficking activities cease.
The government has maintained a strict anti-drug policy. In July, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu called for a study into implementing the death penalty for those importing and trafficking illicit drugs. Under this policy, the government says it is reviewing amendments to existing laws to impose harsher penalties on drug traffickers.
