November 17th to October 20th: MVR 328M worth drugs seized

Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau states drugs worth over MVR 328 million have been seized from the date President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office to October 20^th.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Tuesday, Commissioner Shujau said over 177 kilos of drugs have been seized between November 17^th and October 20^th. During the same period, over 8,300 bottles and cans of alcohol and beer were also seized, he added.

As per Shujau, the seized items will be worth over MVR 328 million.

He further detailed that 335 cases were investigated and forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for charges during the same period.

A total of 155 operations were carried out in Male’ area and atolls during which over 12,000 places were searched.

Over 900 people were arrested in connection to drug-related cases of which 145, accounting for foreigners, were handed over to Maldives Immigration.

Shujau also highlighted some of the efforts being undertaken to strengthen the operations of Maldives Police Service. In this regard, he noted that new cadets were being trained while cases related to officers were being investigated which is followed up with action.

According to Shujau, action has been taken against 48 police officers as of September, of which 17 were dismissed from service.