Home Minister Ali Ihusaan has issued a stern warning to drug dealers, declaring that police will make it increasingly difficult for them to operate or live in the Maldives.
Speaking at the launch of a nationwide anti-drug operation early Thursday morning, Ihusaan said the initiative, named Operation Alimagu, was ordered by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and began at 05:00 hours. It is being conducted across all atolls in collaboration with multiple police departments, based on intelligence gathered over the past six months.
In an interview with state media PSM, Ihusaan urged those involved in drug trade to abandon their activities. “From today onwards, they will not be given that opportunity,” he said. “Strictest measures will be taken. If they continue, we will make it difficult to live in Maldives.”
He also appealed to young people involved in drug-related activities to seek alternative paths, warning that the operation will persist until the trade is halted.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (C) is flanked by Home Minister Ali Ihusan (R) and Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon (L) as he receives an honor guard on July 26, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Ihusaan assured the public that police will work around the clock to create a safer society. He added that President Muizzu has repeatedly instructed authorities not to offer leniency to those arrested in drug-related cases.
Operation Alimagu is described as the most extensive anti-drug campaign in recent years. It follows a July 30 announcement by President Muizzu, who directed Parliament to consider amending the Narcotic Drugs Act to include the death penalty for those convicted of drug importation or trafficking.
While the Maldives Penal Code allows for capital punishment in murder cases, the death penalty has not been carried out in recent history.
Drug abuse remains one of the most pressing social issues in the country.