12 drug networks identified from southern atolls

Police have said that they have expanded their drug enforcement operation in Fuvahmulah across the southern atolls, resulting in identifying 12 main drug networks in the region. 

The announcement was made by South Police Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Shameem in a press conference held via video link this afternoon. 

Shameem said that the 'Veshi Rakkal' (Safe neighbourhood) operation, commenced on January 14, 2024, has now been expanded to cover GA, GDh and Addu atolls as well. 

He revealed that 12 drug networks have been identified from the region.

In Fuvahmulah, 58 individuals were arrested, and 75 separate cases investigated involving them. Of these, 65 cases have been sent for prosecution after the investigations were concluded. This includes cases against suspected leaders of this network: Ahmed Niushad, 34, Karankaa Villa, Dhoodigan, Fuvahmulah, and Hassan Azim, 29, Zamanee Villa, Dhoodigan, Fuvahmulah. 

The Prosecutor General's Office (PG Office) previously said that the investigation found that the two have paid salaries to dealers, received money through the sale of drugs, and kept records of drugs given out on credit.

Fuvahmulah City Commander, Inspector of Police Moosa Latheef said that as the second phase of Operation Veshi Rakkal has been reached, there are no longer complaints of drugs being sold on the streets. Moosa said that based on this, and date from the council, the operation can be called a success. 

Police Stations the southern region received reports of approximately 5000 cases this year. Many are still in the process of investigation. 

In response to a question posed by a journalist, Shameem assured that once a report is lodged, investigations will be conducted. However, he conceded that there are challenges faced in travelling between the islands. 

In this period, 2,701 cases were reported in Addu alone. 

Addu City Commander, Superintendent of Police Mohamed Mas'ood said that the majority of cases in Addu were related to theft and robbery, generally from residences. 

In the case of drug related offences, he noted that oftentimes repeat offenders are involved. They are arrested, charged, and yet return to similar offences once they return back into the community, he observed. 

Mas'ood said various efforts, including awareness programs, are being undertaken to curb robberies. 

He expressed confidence that the Veshi Rakkal operation will bring positive outcomes. 

Shameem noted that most robbery cases in the region involve repeat offenders, making it difficult to effectively reduce such crimes despite the low number of first-time offenders.