Maldives Police Service has issued an update on Operation Alimagu, reporting that 97 individuals have been taken into custody and 86 locations have been searched so far.

The operation, launched on the instructions of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, began at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday and is one of the most extensive anti-narcotics initiatives undertaken in recent years. 

Police said the operation will continue over the coming days, with 500 officers deployed and searches planned at a total of 100 locations nationwide.