Twelve Drug Networks Identified Across Southern Atolls Under Expanded Police Operation

Police have identified twelve drug networks operating across the southern atolls following the expansion of their Veshirakkal (Safe Neighbourhood) operation, according to South Police Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ahmed Shameem. 

The announcement was made by ACP Shameem during a press conference held via video link on Monday. 

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ACP Shameem said the Veshirakkal operation, which began on 14 January 2024 in Fuvahmulah City, has now been extended to include Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaalu, and Addu Atolls, areas under the South Police mandate. He described the operation as part of a wider effort to disrupt major drug networks, suppress gang-related crime, and strengthen community safety.

He added that several new departments and facilities have been established under the southern command to enhance policing capacity — including a Serious Crimes Investigation Department to handle drug and terrorism cases, a Counter-Narcotics Operations Unit, a Maritime Operations Centre, and a Forensic and Digital Laboratory. A Quality Management Unit and a Communication and Coordination Centre have also been set up to support these initiatives.

“The establishment of these units marks a new chapter in how information is shared and coordinated among police,” Shameem said, noting that local inspectors are now equipped to handle major investigations without requiring officers from Malé.

According to Shameem, the police are also prioritising the suppression of gang activity and reducing the influence of drug traffickers and cartels active in southern atolls. Efforts include crime prevention programmes for minors, monitoring undocumented migrants and illegal businesses, and enforcing road safety measures in crowded and school areas.

South Police Sub-Region Commander Chief Inspector Rishweena said that 1,294 cases were reported this year from the sub-region, covering Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaalu and Thinadhoo City, Of those cases 71 has been submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office and 306 cases filed. 

She said the region’s strategic plan focuses on reducing both the supply and demand for drugs through targeted operations and rehabilitation programmes. In collaboration with NGOs, police have supported the reintegration of 16 rehabilitated individuals into society and conducted 60 awareness sessions alongside over 1,500 hours of patrols in crime-prone areas.

Fuvahmulah City Commander Inspector of Police Moosa Latheef said that with the commencement of the second phase of Veshirakkal operation, complaints about street-level drug sales have ceased entirely. 

Latheef added that officers continue to focus on sea and road safety, conduct awareness sessions in schools, and monitor hotspots. This year alone, 5,048 hotspot checks and 2,175 vehicle inspections have been conducted.

Addu City Commander Superintendent of Police Mohamed Masood said the majority of reported cases are related to theft and robbery, primarily from homes. Out of 2,701 cases recorded this year, 54 have been forwarded for prosecution, while 290 remain under investigation.

Masood said that most robbery and drug-related offences involve repeat offenders who return to criminal activity after release. He added that awareness programmes and community engagement initiatives are ongoing to address this issue.

He also noted that crime rates have declined significantly since the establishment of a high-visibility policing unit two years ago, with gang-related cases now minimal. “We believe the Veshirakkal operation will continue to deliver positive results in reducing organised crime and enhancing public safety,” he said.

Police said the investigation into the identified drug networks and related offences across the southern atolls remains ongoing.