Minister Ihusan pledges to end drug issue in Maldives

Home Minister Ali Ihusan has said that in light of the current administration's operation to eradicate drug smuggling and dealing in Maldives will see results and bring a permanent solution to the issue.

He stated this during a meeting held at Th. Buruni, when a concerned citizen pointed out the shortage of police officers residing on the island. Minister Ihusan is currently accompanying President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on his visit to the atoll. 

The people of Buruni requested to build a police station on the island to tackle the growing drug problem. Buruni has a population of approximately 400 people. 

In response to the request and the concerns, the Minister stated that this year, the practical works of building a police station will start on the island. 

Minister Ihusan added that even now, there is a special operation underway to solve the drug issue in the Maldives.

Previously, the focus was on apprehending the drug users. However, this administration’s focus is to eradicate the drug smugglers and drug dealers, thus solving the issue altogether.

“It is one of the main concerns of the President to solve the drug issue in this island. We are confident that by the end of the year, the results will be seen with the ongoing special operations police are conducting to apprehend everyone involved with drugs.” 

Maldives’ biggest drug smuggling case in recent time has concluded with two men sentenced to 50 years in prison and fined MVR 10 million each.

The two primary individuals involved in the smuggling of more than 127 kg of drugs via a fishing vessel were Shaheeb Ibrahim of GA. Villingili / Lighthouse, and Ahmed Moosa of HA. Hoarafushi / Violetvilla.

They were accompanied by four others who were also convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment: Ahmed Moosa, Aseel Mahir of Dhunfinige, GA. Villingili; Anas Hussain of Sell, Lh. Hinnavaru; and two Bangladeshi nationals, Iqbal and Mohamed Riyad.

This is the maximum sentence in the Drugs Act.