Sixth drug café in Male’ closed down

A part of a residence in the Maafannu district of Malé has been closed under a court order for three months following allegations that the premises were being used as a ‘drug café’.

Maldives Police Service said the Criminal Court issued an order to seal off a part of M. Land of Garden on suspicion that drug-related activities were being facilitated at the premises. Accordingly, the area in question has been closed off from Monday onwards, and will remain so until October 11^th.

This is the sixth location in Malé to be closed as part of a police initiative aimed at targeting premises suspected of operating as hubs for illegal drug services.

The first closure order issued under the Maldives Drugs Act was granted by the Criminal Court on May 6 this year, when H. Gunzar was ordered to be shut for a period of three months. Since then, several other locations have been closed under similar court directives:

• M. Thari Villaage: May 22 to August 22.
• A section of M. Ameera Manzil: June to September 1.
• Ma. Seven and House: June 11 to September 9
• H. Kandufinige (one room on the first floor): June 25 to September 24.

Police cautioned that entering or leaving these premises without authorization during the court-ordered closure period constitutes a criminal offence. Authorities also warned that legal action would be pursued against individuals who trespass on the properties or cause any form of damage.

Similar measures have also been taken outside the capital. On June 15, the Maradhoo Feydhoo Magistrate Court ordered the 90-day closure of Addu Maradhoo Feydhoo “Ummeedhuge” after it was identified as a location providing drug-related services.