The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan has unequivocally stated that the ongoing nationwide operation to crackdown on illegal narcotics will only end once the drug trade is completely eradicated from the Maldives.
This powerful declaration comes as the nationwide anti-drug initiative, personally ordered by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, sees over 500 police officers mobilised to dismantle drug networks across all atolls.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Ihusaan revealed that the operation dubbed ‘Operation Alimagu’, touted as the most extensive anti-drug campaign in recent years, is built upon six months of meticulous intelligence gathering by the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
Launched at 5:30 am on Thursday, MPS teams from specialised departments and regions are conducting simultaneous searches and law enforcement activities at more than 100 locations nationwide. The primary objective, he revealed, is to recover illegally imported cigarettes, various types of drugs, and dismantle the infrastructure supporting these illicit activities.
The Minister issued a stark warning to those involved in drug trafficking, asserting the police's round-the-clock commitment until the epidemic is resolved.
"They will have to stop it [drug trafficking]. After today, we will not give the opportunity for them to continue. I urge the people involved in the drug trade to start doing something else as we will make it impossible for them to continue,” he warned.
According to the Minister, the operation has already led to the arrest of 90 suspected drug dealers and the search of over 100 locations used for drug storage, with confiscated narcotics now under police custody.
MPS later confirmed that 97 people have been arrested thus far in the anti-drug operation.
Operation Alimagu represents a critical component of President Dr Muizzu's administration's sustained efforts to halt and ultimately eradicate drug trafficking networks. The ongoing initiative aims to bring to justice those responsible for the rampant spread of drugs, which has plagued Maldivian society.