President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Government has significantly strengthened the Maldives Police Service over the past two and a half years, resolving longstanding internal issues while improving the force's capacity to combat drug-related crime and maintain public security.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Pulse podcast, the President said the reforms were introduced as part of the Government's efforts to tackle drug abuse and enhance law enforcement. He noted that when the current Administration took office, the police service faced serious challenges in its anti-drug operations, including weaknesses that allowed narcotics seized during police raids to find their way back into society.

President Dr Muizzu said measures have since been introduced to address those shortcomings and strengthen the integrity of anti-drug operations. He added that the police have also been given greater capacity to respond to drug-related offences and organised crime.

The President said those efforts have contributed to a significant decline in gang-related crime, noting that the reduction in fatal gang violence was among the achievements recorded during the current Administration.

He added that addressing the country's drug problem requires a collective effort involving law enforcement agencies, Government institutions and the public, expressing confidence that continued cooperation would help reduce the impact of drugs on Maldivian society.