Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has revealed that USD2 million worth of drugs have been seized in the past one-and-a-half months.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Ihusaan highlighted that most crimes are drug-related and therefore the government is making special efforts to solve the drug trafficking problem in the country. As such, he said a special task force has been formed to prevent drug smuggling, adding that USD2 million worth of drugs and USD1.8 million worth of alcohol have been seized so far. He said most of the drugs were seized while being smuggled into the country and that border security will be strengthened to address the issue. He added that he is working with the Commission of Customs to train Customs officials to detect and seize drugs through the post.
Additionally, Minister Ihusaan said the government is working with foreign intelligence agencies to curb drug smuggling by sea and that investigations into drug traffickers and drug network operators in the Maldives are also underway. He highlighted that the ministry is working to unite all institutions to complete the President's direct instruction to eradicate drugs in the country.
Furthermore, Minister Ihusaan said efforts should also be made to reduce the demand for drugs. He said that when the new administration took over, more than 700 people had applied for treatment from the National Drug Agency and 300 people have been admitted so far. He said that they will start treatment within the next month, adding that reduction of drug trafficking and use will result in an overall reduction in crime.