Ihusaan says 24 drug networks under probe, 3 cases before courts
He said the investigations include cases in which MVR 3.6 million and USD 148,000 in cash have been seized, along with assets worth thousands of dollars.
Authorities are investigating 24 networks suspected of operating drug trafficking operations across the Maldives, with cases involving three of the networks already before the courts, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan has said.
Ihusaan disclosed the figures while responding to a question from a member of the public at the Ahaa Forum on Sunday. The forum is organised by the President’s Office and Public Service Media.
Asked about progress in efforts to dismantle drug networks in the country, Ihusaan said the government was seeking to target the networks behind the trade rather than focusing only on individuals affected by drug use.
“There will no longer be room in the Maldives to make a business out of selling drugs and putting Maldivians in this situation. We are making that message very clear now,” Ihusaan said.
According to Ihusaan, authorities are investigating 24 drug networks operating in different parts of the country. Cases involving three of those networks have reached the court stage.
He said the investigations include cases in which MVR 3.6 million and USD 148,000 in cash have been seized, along with assets worth thousands of dollars.
Ihusaan said the government's approach to the drug problem was based on two areas. The first is reducing demand by providing treatment to people affected by drug use.
The second is reducing the amount of drugs entering the country by targeting trafficking networks and strengthening interdiction efforts.
According to Ihusaan, authorities have seized 1.3 tonnes of drugs over the past three years, with an estimated street value of MVR 1.5 billion.
“MVR 1.5 billion worth of drugs have been prevented from reaching Maldivians,” Ihusaan said.
He described the quantity seized over the three-year period as a record when compared with the first three years of previous administrations, and credited Maldives Police Service and Maldives Customs Service for the seizures.
Ihusaan said the government’s policy was to dismantle the networks behind the drug trade rather than simply arresting and imprisoning people affected by drug use.
The government has also introduced legal changes this year giving authorities additional powers to act against properties suspected of facilitating drug use. Ihusaan said on Sunday that 17 such properties have so far been closed across Malé, Addu and Fuvahmulah.
