The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has handed over drones to the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to strengthen maritime safety and security.
The drones donated by the UNODC were officially handed over in a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. The drones will be used by the Marine Police Division of the MPS.
The agreement for the handover was signed by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan and Enrico Boninsegna, the Head of the UNODC Office in the Maldives. UNODC has supplied two drones, capable of both water and aerial operations, which will be used for short-range missions.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Ihusaan highlighted that the drones would significantly enhance the capabilities of Marine Police in ensuring maritime safety and security. He noted that the drones would also support operations by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard, improve efforts against maritime terrorism, and ensure the safety of police officers during operations.