The Maldives has achieved a significant milestone in its battle against drug trafficking, with authorities seizing narcotics valued at over USD 84 million in 2024, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu revealed on Sunday. Speaking to residents of Rasdhoo during his two-day tour of Alifu Alifu and Kaafu Atolls, the President emphasized the government’s intensified efforts to address the drug epidemic plaguing the nation.
President Muizzu stated that the volume of drugs confiscated this year is six times higher than the amount seized in 2023, signaling a strong commitment to disrupting the illegal trade. He also highlighted the deportation of over 150 expatriates linked to trafficking operations, a figure that more than doubles the 74 deportations carried out by November of the previous year.
“There will no longer be any compromise within the police department now,” President Muizzu asserted. He underscored the importance of a newly proposed bill in Parliament, which aims to grant law enforcement enhanced powers to tackle drug-related crimes more effectively.
As part of the nationwide crackdown, police have conducted over 13,400 raids on suspected drug sites this year, compared to around 8,500 last year. The President urged citizens to support the government’s initiatives once the legislation is enacted, emphasizing the need for collective action to resolve the issue alongside the nation’s development goals.
This intensified campaign reflects the administration’s broader commitment to curbing the supply of drugs and addressing the social and economic harm caused by narcotics in the Maldives.
