Today, the police have commenced a significant operation in anticipation of an expected surge in alcohol and drug consumption and sales during the New Year period. In a statement shared on social media, authorities indicated that both the usage and distribution of alcohol and drugs are projected to rise during this time. Consequently, a collaborative initiative has been launched by the Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Hulhumale’ Police, Marine Police, and various police stations across Kaafu Atoll.
The police outlined that the operation will include patrolling the Hulhumale’ lagoon, overseeing the transportation of alcohol to the island, and conducting surveillance on cafes and restaurants suspected of selling these substances. They further emphasized that measures would be enforced against individuals breaching laws and regulations.
Efforts to seize drugs will focus on parties within the Male’ area, local tourism islands, and safari boats as part of the New Year festivities. Over the past year, more than 183 kilograms of drugs and in excess of 8,400 bottles of alcohol have been confiscated from imports into the country and through operations carried out on various islands. The street value of these seized items is estimated at 385 million rufiyaa.
