Police: 116 foreigners arrested in drug operations this year have been handed over to Immigration for deportation
11 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 10:32Police have announced that 116 expatriates suspected of drug trafficking and substance abuse have been handed over to Immigration for deportation. Additionally, authorities have shut down six cafes in Malé that were being operated as drug dens. These actions are part of a specialized police crackdown aimed at addressing the country's drug crisis.
As part of an ongoing operation by Maldives Immigration to locate undocumented expatriates living illegally in the country. | Maldives Immigration
The Maldives Police Service has announced that 116 foreign nationals arrested in connection with drug-related offenses between January and July of this year have been handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation.
This information was shared by the Head of Drug Enforcement, Superintendent of Police Ahmed Muslim, during a press conference held by the department.
During the press conference, Superintendent Ahmed Muslim stated that a significant number of foreign nationals have been arrested during special anti-drug operations conducted by the police over the past seven months.
Police have confirmed that among those handed over to Immigration for deportation, 116 individuals were involved in drug trafficking, substance abuse, and various other drug-related offenses.
Furthermore, Muslim stated that during this period, six "drug cafes" operating in the Greater Male' area were shut down using the additional powers granted to the police under the Drugs Act. Police investigations have identified these establishments as venues that were providing large-scale drug-related services.
Providing details on the cafes closed by the police, Muslim identified the locations as H. Gunzar, M. Tharivilaage, a section of M. Ameera Manzil, Ma. Seven-N House, H. Kandufinige, and M. Land of Garden. Police further noted that these premises had been utilized as drug dens for an extended period of time.
The police have provided assurances that they will take decisive action to shut down drug dens and deport expatriates involved in criminal activities, identifying the drug trade as one of the most significant social challenges facing the Maldives.
