Home Minister Ali Ihusaan has pledged a decisive crackdown on drug smuggling and distribution in the Maldives, promising that ongoing government operations will deliver long-term solutions to the nation’s drug problem.
The announcement came during a meeting on Th. Buruni, where Minister Ihusaan accompanied President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on an atoll visit. Local residents raised concerns over the shortage of police officers on the island, which has a population of around 400 people.
“Previously, our efforts targeted drug users, but now we are going after the smugglers and dealers,” Minister Ihusaan said. “This time, we are determined to find a permanent solution to the drug problem.”
Residents of Buruni requested the establishment of a police station to strengthen law enforcement and combat the growing drug issue. Responding to the appeal, Minister Ihusaan confirmed that practical work on the police station will commence this year.
The Minister emphasized that special operations are already underway across the Maldives to tackle drug trafficking at its source. By focusing on smugglers and dealers rather than users, the administration aims to dismantle the drug network completely.
“It is one of the President’s main priorities to address the drug problem on this island,” Minister Ihusaan added. “We are confident that by the end of the year, the ongoing operations will produce visible results, with all individuals involved in drug activities apprehended.”
The Maldives recently saw the conclusion of one of its largest drug smuggling cases in recent memory. Two men, Shaheeb Ibrahim of GA. Villingili/Lighthouse and Ahmed Moosa of HA. Hoarafushi/Violetvilla, were sentenced to 50 years in prison and fined MVR 10 million each for smuggling over 127 kilograms of drugs via a fishing vessel.
Four accomplices were also convicted and handed life sentences: Ahmed Moosa, Aseel Mahir of Dhunfinige, GA. Villingili; Anas Hussain of Sell, Lh. Hinnavaru; and two Bangladeshi nationals, Iqbal and Mohamed Riyad. These penalties represent the maximum sentences under the Maldives Drugs Act, signaling a strong stance against narcotics trafficking.
With new law enforcement measures and targeted operations against drug networks, the Maldives government aims to curb drug-related crimes across the nation. The combination of judicial action and enhanced policing is expected to bring tangible improvements, particularly on islands like Buruni, where communities have been vocal about the urgent need for intervention.
