Criminal Court Extends Detention for 38 From Operation Alimagu

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) said the Criminal Court has extended the detention period for 38 people arrested during Operation Alimagu, a nationwide drug crackdown carried out on 13 November.

In a press conference today, police stated that of the 110 people arrested during the operation, 68 were released without being summoned to court. Decisions on detention and release were based on past criminal records and the severity of the alleged offences. The operation also involved raids on one sea vessel and nine land vehicles.

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According to MPS statistics, 500 officers were deployed in the operation, raiding 110 locations across 39 islands simultaneously. Searches were conducted in households and other sites linked to drug use, resulting in the seizure of 29.68 kilograms of drugs.

Police released details of those held in remand. Among the 39 whose detention was extended, only one was a woman. The detainees are aged between 19 and 54, including nine people from Kaafu Atoll and the Greater Malé Area.

“Those who have the potential to influence testimony and those who are detained for the safety of the community are the ones who are held in detention,” Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Naaif said, explaining the high number of releases.

When asked whether higher-ranking figures in organised drug smuggling were among those detained, the police confirmed that individuals across all levels were apprehended.

“However, as you mentioned, the investigation is ongoing, and we cannot release details about the people you referenced at this time,” said Ahmed Muslim, Head of the Drug Enforcement Unit.

“We will disclose the information as the investigation progresses and is completed,” he said.