Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan, has delivered a stern warning that the government will take “severe action” against all individuals linked to drug use and trafficking, stating that there will be “no more leniency” in enforcing the law.
His firm remarks follow a major security operation in Addu City, where police arrested several high-profile suspects believed to be at the core of the drug trade. The crackdown, part of the nationwide “Operation Alimagu”, comes amid growing public concern over the long-running drug crisis that has impacted families across the Maldives for decades.
In a statement on social media after Wednesday’s arrests, Minister Ihusan reaffirmed that the administration remains fully committed to protecting communities from narcotics and ending the cycle of addiction affecting thousands of young people.
He noted that the special operation, launched under the direct orders of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, will focus on dismantling major drug networks. Ihusan cautioned those continuing illicit activities that once police investigations catch up with them, strict legal consequences will be unavoidable.
Police confirmed that the latest Addu raid brought down several key figures of an organised trafficking ring. Investigations into related drug smuggling and money laundering activities have been ongoing since March, uncovering links dating back to 2017. Authorities revealed that more than USD 1.2 million has been funneled through the accounts of four senior suspects over the past five years. Operation Alimagu, which drove the arrests, was officially launched on 13 November.
