MPS has deployed officers across the Greater Malé Region and other islands for Operation Riveli, running from December 23 to January 3, 2026. The operation includes vehicle checkpoints, marine vessel inspections, and focuses on preventing theft, drug offenses, and modified vehicles. A concurrent marine operation inspects passenger ferries and cargo vessels to ensure safety compliance during the holiday travel period.
Police briefing held in preparation for Operation Riveli
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched its annual ‘Operation Riveli’, an initiative timed to coincide with the start of the new year.
The operation, which began on December 24, involves a large-scale deployment of police officers conducting active patrols on roads throughout the Greater Malé Region (GMR) and across all other islands.
The police institution has confirmed that Vehicle Check Points will be established at multiple locations in Malé City and Hulhumalé to stop individuals and inspect vehicles. Marine vessels will also be subjected to inspections as part of the operation.
Under Operation Riveli, police have placed particular emphasis on preventing theft and robbery, addressing alcohol- and drug-related offenses, monitoring individuals operating vehicles fitted with loud or modified mufflers, and stopping and questioning individuals deemed to be acting contrary to general social norms.
Authorities have revealed that action will be taken against offenders strictly in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Alongside Operation Riveli, police initiated an additional special operation on Tuesday focused on inspecting vessels departing from and arriving in the capital city, in anticipation of increased travel during the school holidays and the new year period.
Police noted that due to the high volume of people traveling from the capital to other islands during this period, the Marine Police have begun inspecting passenger ferries and cargo vessels departing from harbors to ensure the safety and security of these vessels.
This marine-focused operation, which has been ongoing since December 23, includes inspections of passenger ferries and cargo vessels preparing to depart from the GMR to other atolls, as well as vessels arriving in Malé from other atolls. The inspections are intended to confirm compliance with all required safety standards.
As part of this initiative, vessel captains are being informed of any necessary rectifications that must be completed prior to departure. Information sessions are also being conducted to raise awareness among captains and crew regarding maritime safety and security. These sessions emphasize the importance of adhering to maritime navigation laws and regulations and ensuring full cooperation with enforcement efforts.
The overall operation is scheduled to run from December 23 until 3 January 2026. It is being carried out with the assistance of the Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Maldives Immigration, and the MNDF Coastguard.
