Govt cautions public as new drug emerges

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has cautioned public as a new type of drug has been gaining momentum in the international market.

Home Ministry on Thursday provided information on the "Fentanyl-laced drugs" or commonly referred to as "China White"; the new type of drug that has been making rounds.

The ministry in its announcement said the drug was produced using harmful chemicals, and warned it could endanger the lives of those who use it.

The ministry further said it was working with the National Drug Agency (NDA) and relevant authorities to ensure the drug type does not enter the Maldives.

Drug trafficking is among the serious criminal activities even the Maldives has been grappling with. While authorities have been working to curtail these activities, new types of drugs have entered the Maldives more recently as well.

Authorities also face legal challenges in curbing drug peddling and trafficking activities.

Meanwhile, Maldives Police Service reported it had confiscated MVR 104 million worth of narcotic substances so far this year.

Police along with relevant authorities have been regularly running operations to apprehend peddlers and drugs, which is among the most serious and largest criminal activities in the country.