First court-ordered closure of drug café outside Malé carried out in Fuvahmulah
Police said the property will remain closed for two months and 25 days.
A property in Fuvahmulah City alleged to have been used for the sale, distribution and consumption of illicit drugs has been closed under a court order, marking the first such closure outside Malé.
According to information published on the official website of the Maldives Police Service on Friday, the property identified as Gulisthaanuge in the Funadu district was operating under what police described as a “café system” for narcotics-related activities.
The closure order was issued by the Fuvahmulah Magistrate Court on Wednesday.
Police said the property will remain closed for two months and 25 days.
The order was granted under provisions of the Maldives Drugs Act.
Police stated that entering or leaving a property closed under a court order without authorisation during the closure period constitutes a criminal offence.
Authorities also warned that legal action would be taken against anyone who enters the property without permission or causes damage to it.
“The police will continue to conduct operations using the powers granted under the Drugs Act. We are also working to identify additional properties where drugs are being sold or consumed through café-style operations and will take action in accordance with the law,” police said.
In the past, a number of alleged drug cafés in Malé were closed following discussions with property owners and other enforcement measures.
Earlier this month, authorities also obtained a court order to close a property in Malé alleged to have been operating as a drug café, marking the first use of such a legal mechanism in the capital.
