13 drug cafes in Male' closed so far under recent amendments to Drugs Act: Minister Ihusaan
11 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 09:04Home Minister Ihusaan has warned that strict legal action will be taken against drug cafes that reopen after being shut down, following recent amendments to the Narcotics Act. Highlighting the government's "zero tolerance" policy toward drug networks, the Minister noted that Police and Customs are conducting joint operations to disrupt the supply chain; however, public concern has recently grown over the transfer of high-profile criminals to house arrest under the current administration.
Home Minister Ali Ihusaan speaks during a press conference. | President's Office
Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has announced that 13 locations used as "drug cafes" in Male' have been shuttered under court orders. This action was taken using the special powers granted to the police under the recent amendments to the Drugs Act.
Responding to a journalist's inquiry during a press conference at the President's Office on Thursday regarding his previous pledge to eliminate all drug cafes in Male' by the end of November, Minister Ihusaan explained that despite repeated police interventions to shut down such establishments, new operators frequently reopened them within days of the authorities' departure.
However, Minister Ihusaan stated that under the new legal framework, legal action will be taken against anyone who reopens an establishment that has been ordered closed.
Highlighting that the issue of narcotics is a top priority for the Ministry, Minister Ihusaan stated that strategic efforts have been designed to target drug networks operating across the Maldives, with a specific focus on those involved in trafficking and distribution.
He further stated that the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Customs Service are working in collaboration to implement measures aimed at disrupting the supply chain.
Furthermore, Minister Ihusaan stated that the current administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug-related offenses, noting that action is now being taken on numerous issues that were previously overlooked. Minister Ihusaan also highlighted that legal frameworks have been strengthened and authorities expanded to facilitate the implementation of such enforcement measures.
Despite Minister Ihsan’s remarks, the recent release of alleged Addu City drug kingpin Abdulla Ibrahim (Abucha) under parole has sparked significant public outcry. Following widespread criticism, the government re-arrested him and moved to dismiss six members of the Parole Board. Furthermore, Hussain Shifau, who was sentenced to 109 years in prison for defrauding foreign companies of $123,000 (MVR 1.9 million) using forged telegraphic transfers (TTs), has also been transferred to house arrest.
