The Magistrate Court of Addu Maradhoo yesterday issued an order to close down a house on the island named 'Bolhadhandhuge', following suspicions that it provides drug consumption services in a cafe-style manner.

This is the first such order issued by the Maradhoo Court.

The police stated on their website that Bolhadhandhuge was closed for 90 days under the Drugs Act.

Entering or exiting properties closed under a court order without permission during the duration of the order is a legal offense. The police also noted that the strictest legal action will be taken against individuals who enter such places without authorization and those who cause damage to these properties in various ways.

The police expressed their gratitude for the cooperation received from the public in the efforts to stop people selling and trafficking drugs in Addu.

Previously, under the Drugs Act, the police possessed the authority to issue notices to close properties providing drug services for 24 hours. However, closures could not be enforced for a period longer than that.

With the recent amendment brought to the law, many places providing drug services cafe-style have been closed under court orders.