Special police op hits drug money laundering

Police have commenced a special operation today in Male' and Gaafu Alif (GA) Atoll against a network involved in drug trafficking and laundering the proceeds. 

In a statement issued today, Police said that this operation falls under the larger anti-drug 'Operation Alimagu'. The operation was launched early this morning. 

The operation is being run collaboratively by the South Police teams, Intelligence and Drug Enforcement wing, Police said. 

The operation targets suspects accused of large scale drug trafficking and money laundering in GA atoll, Police said. Under the operation, Police will conduct searches of premises linked to the suspects and take necessary law enforcement action.

Under a major crackdown, Police in November arrested suspects from GA and GDh atoll who were accused of being involved in the drug trade. This operation was conducted based on intelligence reports that drugs were being smuggled into the country via sea. It saw 16 individuals from the two atolls being arrested, with 12kg of drugs being seized from them. 

The operation was later expanded to cover the entire country, leading to the search of 105 locations and the seizure of 29.6kg of drugs. Of the 119 individuals arrested, 61 tested positive for drug use. Of these, 38 were presented in court to extend their remand. 

Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Naif said that remand decisions were based on prior criminal records and drug quantities seized. 

Identities of these arrestees are yet to be disclosed. 

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan previously said that the operation marks the start of major measures against drug trade, which will persist until traffickers give up the trade.