Maldives Authorities Seize Narcotics Worth Over MVR 282 Million

The Maldives Police Service has reported that authorities have confiscated narcotics valued at over MVR 282 million in a series of counter-narcotics operations conducted over the past eight months.

Statistics reveal that the Drug Enforcement Unit carried out 113 operations from January 1 to August 31 this year. During these operations, police searched 8,554 individuals, resulting in 712 arrests. Additionally, 80 foreign nationals apprehended during the operations have been transferred to the custody of Maldives Immigration.

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In total, law enforcement officials seized 158.85 kilograms of drugs along with 5,252 bottles of alcohol. The estimated street value of the narcotics is MVR 282,273,641.52.

During the reporting period, police recorded 475 drug-related offences. Investigations have been completed for 230 of these cases, which have been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for potential criminal charges.

Drug abuse remains a significant social challenge in the Maldives, with individuals convicted of drug-related crimes constituting a large portion of the country’s inmate population. In response to the escalating issue, the Home Ministry has recently drafted legislation to introduce the death penalty for trafficking more than 500 grams of drugs into the country.