Drug networks operating in Fuvahmulah were almost entirely wiped out last year, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsuan said tonight.
Speaking at a forum organised by state media PSM about the presidential address, Minister Ihusan said that drug elimination operations were being carried out specifically targeting the atolls.
“Last year, we also most entirely completed one atoll; Gn. Fuvahmulah," he said.
"Drug cafes which were giving people drugs were completely shut down and those who were doing it were arrested, and those who were leading the whole [operation] were arrested on money laundering allegations and are now receiving the maximum punishment for it."
Ihusan said the operation will continue this year to destroy more networks within the atolls.
He also said while drugs worth MVR 600 million were seized in 2023, the number went up to MVR 1.2 billion since the current administration assumed power. Ihusan further said attempts to smuggle drugs across the border has also been stopped.
Local police stationed across the atolls reportedly also searched 4,048 place and stopped to question 1,147 people as part of an operation commenced on 14th January. Out of those, 58 people were reportedly arrested and 75 cases were investigated out of which 65 cases were completed and sent for prosecution.
The operation in Fuvahmulah is said to have identified key players believed to be ones running the drug business and involved in money laundering activities in the city.
Ahmed Niushad, 34 and Hassan Azim, 29 were arrested on these charges.
Police said their investigation revealed Niushad's account circulated over MVR 21 million in transactions in the past five years. Azim's bank account, also had transactions worth more than MVR 7 million over the span of two years.
Twenty-one people were arrested under court orders and the bank accounts of two companies were also frozen in connection to the case. Those involved have money laundering charges raised against them.