Authorities in the Maldives have launched the country’s most expansive anti-narcotics campaign in recent years, a sweeping operation ordered directly by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The effort, formally designated ‘Operation Ali Magu’ by the Maldives Police Service, is aimed at dismantling drug trafficking and distribution networks across the country.
President Muizzu announced the launch via social media, describing the campaign as part of his administration’s broader commitment to eliminating drug-related crime and addiction. “The government is engaged in extensive endeavours aimed at establishing the Maldives as a nation entirely liberated from the scourge of drugs,” he wrote.
Police officials confirmed that Operation Ali Magu commenced at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, spanning the entire country and guided by intelligence-led targeting. More than 500 officers have been deployed, marking one of the largest coordinated law enforcement efforts in recent history. “Concurrently, I have today directed the police to execute an operation specifically targeting those parties involved in the drug trade,” President Muizzu stated.
The operation involves simultaneous searches and inspections at over 100 locations nationwide, conducted by teams from specialised units and regional departments. “This operation will involve the participation of over 500 police officers, who will simultaneously search and inspect more than 100 locations across the Maldives,” the president added.
Police have described Operation Ali Magu as the most wide-ranging anti-drug initiative undertaken in recent years. Its stated objectives are to disrupt trafficking networks and ensure that individuals responsible for distributing narcotics within communities are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The enforcement effort coincides with legislative reforms currently under consideration. A bill before Parliament proposes amendments to the Drugs Act of Maldives, introducing harsher penalties for drug-related offences. The proposed legislation includes provisions for severe sentences, potentially extending to the death penalty for individuals convicted of importing or trafficking narcotics.
Officials have cited international precedent as part of the rationale for the amendment, which remains in the committee stage. Alongside these legal measures, the government is working to strengthen the national treatment infrastructure for individuals affected by drug use.