The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed that Maldivians are involved in attempts to smuggle drugs into the country.

At a press conference held at Iskandharu Koshi, the head of the Drug and Substance Abuse Control unit, Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Naif, said investigations have found Maldivians using air cargo, sea cargo and electrical equipment to smuggle drugs into the Maldives. He said three Maldivian nationals have so far been identified as being involved in drug smuggling from regional countries.

According to the police, drugs are being brought into the Maldives from countries including Thailand and Malaysia. The police service said Maldivians involved in such crimes will be brought back to the country for investigation regardless of where they are located, including cases involving international alerts.

MPS said it is working closely with neighbouring and international countries under the Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to combat drug trafficking. The police also noted that cooperation with various local institutions is ongoing, including efforts under Operation “Ali Magu”, which aims to strengthen drug control measures.