The Commissioner General of Maldives Customs Abdulla Shareef has claimed the authority had confiscated 64 kilograms of drugs that were smuggled into the Maldives so far in 2022.
During the anniversary ceremony held on Monday evening, Shareef made emphasis of improved screening of the watchdog authority.
The Commissioner General claims various attempts during the past two years to smuggle drugs into the Maldives amounted to 62 kilograms being nabbed.
The watchdog authority is expected to enlist 90 additional officers to its Anti-Drug Task Force.
Maldives Customs Service is currently training 60 out of these officers before dispatching them on official duty.
The remaining 30 officers will be enlisted sometime during 2024, says the Commissioner General.
Shareef highlighted on key efforts made by the authority for the past two years, claiming the authority imported its border security protocols and communication channels with other relevant authorities.
The Global Travel Assessment System (GTAS) established with the assistance of WCO connects the authority with Maldives Immigration, fortifying their countering efforts against human trafficking, contraband and drug smuggling, money laundering and acts of terrorism as well.
During the anniversary event, Customs Service launched a new campaign against drug smuggling that will see fresh impetus put into the drug countering.