Minister Ihusan vows tough stance on drug traffickers

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has stated today that he will make 'life tough in Maldives for drug traffickers', adding such illicit activity will no longer be viable in the country. 

In an interview given to State media PSM regarding Police's major drug operation today, where they simultaneously conducted searches across the country, Ihusan said that from today onwards, drug traffickers will need to give up their illicit trade, asserting that Maldives will no longer allow such activity. He stated that every possible legal action will be pursued to ensure that the drug trade is not allowed to continue. 

"So our appeal is for those engaged in this today to give it up and take up other activities from today onwards. We will make life hard for them otherwise in the Maldives, if they persist in this," the Minister said. 

Ihusan said that today's operation is only the beginning of Police's efforts to eradicate drug trade in the country. He stated that the work would only be brought to an end when drug traffickers cease operating. 

Ihusan assured the public that Police remain committed to ensuring the safety and protection of Maldives around the clock.

By noon today, Police announced that 90 individuals had been arrested through the large scale drug operation, which commenced at 5:30am today. 

Ihusan said that the persons arrested today are those involved in illicit drug trade. 

Police announced that this 'Operation Alimagu' is the largest multi-location anti-drug operation conducted in recent Maldivian history.