Police Shut Down Over 45 Drug Cafés in Nationwide Crackdown

Maldivian authorities have shut down 48 locations allegedly operating as ‘drug cafés’. These establishments, serving drugs in a café-like setting, were identified and closed as part of a broader crackdown on the country’s drug trade.

Superintendent of Police Nahid Hussain, head of the Drug Enforcement Department, announced the closures during a press conference on Thursday. He revealed that surveillance continues on other suspected locations. Despite previous police actions, some of these cafés have resumed operations, prompting the need for stricter enforcement.

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In addressing the wider drug crisis, authorities have referred 49 individuals to the National Drug Agency (NDA) for rehabilitation. This group includes street beggars seeking money for drugs and repeat offenders struggling with substance use disorders.

Superintendent Nahid disclosed that 683 drug-related cases have been registered this year, with investigations completed for 345 cases, which have been submitted for prosecution. So far, 22 people have been convicted in 19 drug trafficking cases.

Over the course of 158 anti-drug operations, including 12 in the atolls, police have arrested 1,009 individuals and conducted searches on 12,561 suspects. These efforts have led to the seizure of over 183 kilograms of drugs and 8,400 bottles of alcohol, collectively valued at more than MVR 385 million. Additionally, police searched 58 safaris as part of a special operation targeting the illegal sale of alcohol.

In connection with drug-related offences, 142 foreign nationals have also been handed over to relevant authorities.

Superintendent Nahid highlighted the challenges in addressing the country’s drug problem and emphasised the need for legislative reform. A draft of proposed amendments to the Drug Act, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for review.