The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan has issued a stark warning, declaring that "severe action" will be taken against anyone involved in the sale and use of drugs, with "no more leniency."
The Minister's strong statement comes in the wake of significant arrests of major drug dealers in Addu City, part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown dubbed "Operation Alimagu."
In a social media post following Wednesday's arrests, Minister Ihusan reiterated the government's commitment to freeing the country from the drug epidemic.
He confirmed that the special operation, launched under the direct orders of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, will specifically target drug dealers. The Minister also directly advised all drug dealers in the Maldives to cease their illicit activities, emphasising that once police investigations reach them, strict legal action will be inevitable.
The police operation in Addu City successfully apprehended several key leaders of a major drug network. Authorities revealed that an investigation into drug trafficking and money laundering linked to this network had been ongoing since March of this year. Police confirmed that the arrested individuals have been actively involved in drug trafficking since 2017, with over USD 1.2 million circulated through the accounts of four senior network members over the past five years. Operation Alimagu, which led to these arrests, was officially launched on 13 November.