Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched a special operation in anticipation of an increase in the use, sale, and trade of alcohol and drugs coinciding with the new year.

The police institution revealed the launch of the operation in a statement issued by the service on Tuesday.

The police statement said that the operation is being carried out jointly by the Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Hulhumalé Police, and K. Atoll Police Stations.

MPS stated that the operation is being conducted due to the expectation of an increase in the use, sale, and trade of alcohol and drugs in connection with the new year.

The operation commenced on the night of December 24 and involves increasing static duties and Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) in several areas of Hulhumalé.

In addition to this, surveillance has been boosted in Phase I and Phase II of Hulhumalé, and arrangements have been made to search individuals and vehicles entering and exiting the Phase III area. MPS also stated that patrolling and monitoring of Velana International Airport (VIA) areas are included in the operation.

Operation Commander, Chief Inspector of Police Hussain Visham, who is in charge of the operation, highlighted that the operation is being conducted to increase surveillance in Hulhumalé, prevent disturbances, and work towards crime prevention in connection with the new year.

MPS has conducted similar operations in previous years in anticipation of the new year.