Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed the involvement of foreigners is increasing in drug and alcohol trafficking in the Maldives. MPS made the statement at a press conference held by the Drug Enforcement Department.
The statistics published at the press briefing showed foreigners were involved in 1,836 drug-related cases from 2015 to 2021. A total of 1,330 foreigners were arrested over drug-related cases during that period, including 1,300 men and 30 women. The statistics also showed the highest number of foreigners were arrested in 2019, with 264 recorded arrests, and 146 foreigners were involved in major drug trafficking cases from 2015 to 2021.
Furthermore, a total of 41 foreigners were caught smuggling drugs into the country in the past three years, with 40 individuals caught in transit. Most of the individuals were from Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.
MPS stated some of the foreigners arrive in the Maldives after establishing connections with local drug networks and that some marry Maldivians to make it easier for them to expand the drug trade in the country. The police service stated they are mostly involved in smuggling drugs into the country and trafficking drugs to the atolls.
MPS also stated many foreigners have been caught partaking in illegal substances at drug cafes operating in Male' City and 525 foreigners were involved in selling alcohol from 2015 to 2021.