Ihsan issues warning to drug dealers: 'Stop now or face action'

Home Minister Ali Ihsan on Thursday urged individuals involved in drug trafficking to stop immediately, warning that the government would take the strongest possible action against those who continue.

Ihsan made the remarks in an interview with state broadcaster PSM following the nationwide drug operation launched by police earlier in the day.

“You [drug dealers] must stop what you have been doing. After today, we will not allow this in this country. We will take the strongest action against drug dealers in the Maldives,” he said.

He added that young people involved in drug-related activities should leave the trade and pursue other work. “We will make it difficult for anyone involved in this to continue. There will be no drug trafficking in the Maldives,” he said.

Ihsan said the government will continue its efforts to tackle the drug problem, noting that this is the message President Mohamed Muizzu wants conveyed to the public.

“The President always instructs the police that there will be no concessions in matters related to drugs. The operation launched today is only the beginning. We will stop this by stopping those who engage in it,” he said.

He added:

According to Ihsan, Thursday’s operation marks the beginning of a sustained crackdown. “This is the largest operation in the country’s history. Our objective is to take the strictest action permitted under the law against all those involved at any level of drug activity,” he said.

Ihsan said the police leadership will remain available at all times to ensure public safety. He added that the police will continue efforts to create a secure environment in line with the government’s policies.