In a compelling appearance on State Media PSM News’s Raajje Miadhu program, Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan detailed a sweeping campaign against drug trafficking that has reshaped national security efforts.
Over the past 18 months, authorities have executed 275 strategic operations, resulting in 726 kg of drugs seized, 14,200 bottles of alcohol confiscated, and 1,580 arrests made—all with a total street value soaring to USD 90.8 million.
Strategic seizures include:
- 726 kg of narcotics confiscated in targeted raids and border seizures.
- 14,200 bottles of liquor intercepted.
- 1,580 suspects arrested, with high-level traffickers being the primary targets.
“We’ve struck a decisive blow,” Minister Ihusaan affirmed. “Our goal remains the networks behind smuggling—not the users”. He emphasized that recovered assets will fund both enforcement and rehabilitation initiatives, in a move linking supply disruption with recovery investment.
Highlighting recent triumphs, Ihusaan pointed to an 18 kg narcotic shipment unraveled from Bengaluru-bound cargo, detected via flower pots—symbolic of customs’ enhanced intelligence-driven techniques . The government has also established scanners at airports, seaports, and postal centers to thoroughly vet incoming shipments.
Beyond suppression, the minister underscored the parallel mission to reduce drug demand. With 300 patients already admitted into treatment, the National Drug Agency has commissioned the Road Development Corporation to build rehabilitation centers on Velidhoo (Noonu Atoll), Kaashidhoo (Kaafu Atoll), and Gan (Laamu Atoll).
“I admit we had no proper treatment system,” he confessed. “This year and next, we will build it”. These facilities aim to address demand-side intervention—completing the nation’s two-pronged offense .
Institutional reform is also key. Ihusaan revealed plans to amend the Drugs Act, enabling permanent asset seizures from traffickers—proceeds to be used for prevention, treatment, and anti-trafficking enforcement. He affirmed, “Traffickers will lose everything; communities will gain support”.
Speaking on Raajje Miadhu, Ihusaan portrayed this as an integrated offensive: coordinated agencies, border surveillance, supply network breakdown, legal muscle, and structured rehabilitation. The effort reflects President Muizzu’s directive to eliminate the drug pandemic from Maldivian soil.
As the government accelerates reforms and infrastructure, Minister Ihusaan’s message was resolute: “This is more than a crackdown—it’s a movement. We’re targeting supply, bolstering recovery, and reclaiming lives”. Under his leadership, Maldives is launching a full-spectrum assault on drug trafficking and addiction, signaling unwavering commitment and determined progress.
