The police have searched two houses in Keyodhoo island of Vaavu Atoll in their crackdown on an alleged ‘sorcery’ operation there, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) has confirmed.

A resident of the island said that officers found items used for sorcery and black magic at the two houses that were searched, which were all confiscated. However, police said that they did not find anything related to sorcery in the two houses.

Two individuals, residents of the houses, were also brought for questioning to the island’s local government council, although it is unclear if they were apprehended.

Keyodhoo island council president Ahmed Yoosuf said that they have been receiving complaints of a sorcery operation in Keyodhoo island.

Residents of the island have been vocal about said sorcery operation and accusations against the two men have been painted and scribbled on several walls, in an effort to bring the matter to public attention.

Sorcery and black magic, concepts that have been in practice and believed by Maldivies for centuries, is a misdemeanor. However, a pro-government lawmaker recently proposed a bill to criminalize it.