Court orders closure of third drug den in Addu

A house in Addu City being used for drug-related activities has been closed for three months following an order issued by the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court.

Police said the order was issued on Wednesday to close the house, known as Milocity, in Hithadhoo. It is the third property in Addu to be closed under a court order on allegations that it was being used to facilitate drug-related activities.

According to police, the court ordered the closure after finding that the premises were being used to provide facilities for drug consumption.

"The order to close the house was issued because drug consumption services are being provided there, and individuals using drugs are being supplied with illicit substances as well as the equipment and facilities needed to administer them into the body," police said.

Police said the court found that ongoing drug use at the property posed a risk to public safety.

According to police, the court order also stated that drug trafficking was taking place at the premises.

Police added that the order further referred to reports of offences, including gang violence, kidnapping and theft, being committed by groups operating inside the house and in the surrounding area.

Two other properties in Addu have previously been closed under similar court orders: