The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has reported the transfer of 173 foreigners to Maldives Immigration for deportation,
Speaking at a press conference, Acting Head of Crime Investigation Command Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Nafiz said operations were conducted to track down illegal immigrants. He said the operations were also aimed to put a stop to prostitution that was being facilitated by some local individuals in cooperation with foreigners.
Additionally, Chief Superintendent Nafiz disclosed that a total of 13 operations had been carried out in various areas, involving both independent police actions and joint endeavors with Immigration. He highlighted the result of the operations led to the handover of 173 individuals to Immigration for deportation.
Furthermore, Chief Superintendent Nafiz shared that 51 safaris had been inspected since last year. Among the inspections, he said that 3,097 individuals were intercepted for involvement in drug dealing. In addition, a total of 135 locals and 16 foreigners were apprehended during the operations.
The Maldives has over a 100,000 foreign residents and grapples with a significant number of illegal immigrants. The government is engaged in efforts to locate and deport such individuals, aiming to address the issue effectively.