Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has revealed significant strides in the fight against drug trafficking. He made the statement during a gathering in Feydhoo, Addu City.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ihusaan said that the nation is intensifying efforts to combat the drug epidemic, under the strategic direction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He emphasised the government's commitment to rehabilitating drug-addicted youth, with approximately 300 individuals already undergoing treatment out of the 700 identified upon the current administration's inception. Notably, he underscored the interception of illicit drugs valued at USD3 million, preventing their circulation within the Maldives.
Additionally, Minister Ihusaan lauded the collaborative efforts between the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and governmental agencies in confronting the drug crisis. Moreover, he highlighted ongoing partnerships with international intelligence agencies to curb the drug trade, accelerating investigations into traffickers and network operators within the Maldives.
Recent police statistics for the fourth quarter of the previous year further underscore the progress made, with 180 drug-related cases forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) for prosecution. In addition, law enforcement successfully resolved 490 drug cases and apprehended 298 individuals implicated in drug-related activities.