Drugs valued at MVR 333 million seized in a year

Home Minister Ali Ihusan states drugs valued at MVR 333 million have been seized since the current administration assumed office in last November.

He made the remark while disclosing the details of works undertaken by Home Ministry during ‘Haftha 52’ program which is aimed at highlighting the current administration’s undertakings as it marks one year in office.

In this regard, Minister Ihusan detailed that 183 kilos of drugs were seized since November 17^th of last year. He estimated the value of the seized drugs at MVR 333 million.

“We have blocked these [drugs] from entering the society. Moreover, we have taken additional measures are ports of entry for more security,” he added.

Speaking on other undertakings of the Ministry, Minister Ihusan underscored that a special operation was conducted against crimes within prison such as scam calls and drug abuse. He noted that some prison officers involved in such crimes were identified in the operation.

He described the decision to proceed with the operation as a courageous decision taken by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

“Without differentiating between people, it is established that state institutions should adhere to certain standards and accept or tolerate a certain level of service. Action was taken against the individuals identified at that point,” he said.

As per the Minister, efforts are still ongoing to seize phones from convicts who make scam calls from prisons and to further strengthen the prison system. Henceforth, he said crucial efforts have been undertaken to strengthen the entire security sector within the span of a year.

Moreover, Minister Ihusan noted that issues in existing legislatures have been identified as part of efforts seeking permanent solutions to gang and drug crimes. As such, the Attorney General’s Office has been tasked with drafting the bills to amend the problematic legislation accordingly. 

The Minister said the complete result of the current administration’s efforts will be evident once these bills are ratified into law.

One such bill drafted by the current administration is the amendment to the Drug Act that would introduce death penalty for individuals found guilty of trafficking more than 500 grams of drugs.

While drugs remain one of the most prevalent social issues in the Maldives, statistics by Maldives Police Service show they have received 1,432 cases related to drugs so far this year.