In an operation conducted by the police, a large group using drugs and gambling in Male' has been discovered and handed over to Immigration for deportation.

Police stated that the operation was conducted yesterday following information received by Police Intelligence regarding illegal activities such as the possession and use of drugs, as well as gambling.

A total group of 38 men, all nationals of Bangladesh, were taken into police custody during the operation.

A police media official stated that although these individuals live in separate locations, they gather in one place to engage in such activities. He noted that all of them were caught while they were together.

Police also said that these individuals have now been handed over to Immigration to be deported under the Immigration Act.

To find a solution to the issue of foreigners living illegally in the Maldives, the collection of biometric information of all foreigners living in the country began in May 2024.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated last year that one thing revealed by the "Kurangi" operation, a program started by this government to collect information on foreigners and identify who they are and which country they belong to, is that 178,982 foreigners have been living in the Maldives over the past two years.

The immediate deportation of those involved in criminal environments is also a measure this government has decided to implement.