The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has unveiled a growing international drug smuggling network led by Maldivians based abroad funneling narcotics into the island nation from regional countries, including Thailand and Malaysia.
At a press conference, Chief Inspector Ahmed Naif, Head of the Drug and Substance Abuse Control Unit, revealed that three Maldivian nationals with prior criminal records have been identified as key players in the illicit trade, using air and sea cargo—including concealment in electrical equipment—to smuggle drugs.
Police are pursuing suspects globally, with Naif vowing to enforce Interpol red notices and collaborate with neighbouring nations and international agencies under mutual legal assistance frameworks.
The continuing crackdown on narcotics has seen significant seizures since January, according to Naif with nearly 499 kg of drugs and over 6,800 units of illicit liquor, with an estimated street value exceeding USD 63 million.
Police have conducted 188 operations, detained 997 individuals, and referred 301 to rehabilitation through drug courts. Alarmingly, police warn that social media groups are targeting vulnerable youth, particularly school dropouts, recruiting them into drug distribution.
To date, 648 cases are under investigation, with 335 forwarded for prosecution. Meanwhile, Police have identified 30 commercial drug dealing hotspots in urban areas, shutting down 11 this year, with about 20 still operating. Police pledge sustained crackdowns across the country to dismantle trafficking networks and curb the rising drug menace.