Efforts underway to demolish M. Rabeeuvilla, an abandoned building used as drug den

The State has today begun efforts to demolish the abandoned building Maafannu Rabeeuvilla in Malé, which had been used as a drug den.

A senior government official revealed that the demolition of Maafannu Rabeeuvilla, a building frequented by drug users and surrounded by several social issues, began under the directive of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The demolition work is being overseen by the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure.

President Muizzu convened with the Malé City Council earlier last week and assured the provision of all necessary government cooperation to expedite the demolition of old, abandoned premises in Malé City.

The dilapidated five-story building of Rabeeuvilla recently experienced a fire on its fourth floor, causing additional damage. At the time, there were numerous complaints on social media about illegal activities occurring inside the abandoned building.

Drug use in abandoned buildings in Malé City remains a huge concern, with frequent fire incidents also occurring in such premises.

Additionally, a dead body was discovered in Rabeeuvilla last May during police efforts the missing person. The body, found severely decomposed, was reported to be that of an individual who had died from a drug overdose.

The Planning Ministry in 2019 had compiled a list of abandoned buildings posing a danger to public safety. These buildings included:

1. Henveiru Lobby

2. Henveiru Thanbee

3. Henveiru Asfaru

4. Maafannu Ashiya Manzil

5. Maafannu Buradhamaage

6. Maafannu Kausar

7. Mahchangoalhi Everglory

8. Mahchangoalhi Kanbaalifaru

9. Henveiru Haajaraage

10. Henveiru Ruhdoshuge

11. Maafannu Rabeeuvilla

Amid growing concerns about abandoned premises being used as drug dens, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has completed a draft to bring amendments to the Drugs Act and Gang-Related Crimes Act to strengthen the regulations.

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has reiterated on multiple platforms that addressing drug use and gang violence is a top priority for the President. He assured that actions against such activities will be strengthened following the President's advice and instructions.