As the Administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu marks 104 weeks in office, its agenda on gang violence and narcotics has emerged as one of its most defining areas of reform. Over the past two years, the Government has introduced a series of legislative, operational and rehabilitation measures designed to confront organised crime and drug abuse with greater clarity, consistency and force.

A landmark step was the ratification of the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act in May 2025, the first law in the Maldives to comprehensively define organised criminal groups and set out strong penalties for gang activity. The Act enables confiscation of illicit wealth, expands police powers for investigations, protects minors from recruitment, and establishes monitoring systems for high-risk offenders. The Prosecutor General has acknowledged that the law raises evidentiary requirements but predicts stronger enforcement and improved public confidence.

Complementing these measures, the Fifth Amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, ratified in December 2024, updated bail procedures to ensure greater uniformity during investigations and trials. Meanwhile, the Community Reintegration Service, launched across 100 islands, introduced home-based detoxification and support programmes to help individuals reintegrate into society and reduce relapse.

The Government’s stance on narcotics has been repeatedly emphasised by President Dr Muizzu, who has identified drug abuse and gang crime as major national priorities. His directive led to Operation Alimagu, the largest nationwide anti-drug operation conducted in recent years, mobilising more than 500 police officers across over 100 locations. Dozens of suspects have been arrested, significant quantities of drugs seized, and many suspected storage sites searched. Minister Ali Ihusaan has stated that the operation will continue until drug trafficking networks are dismantled.

Early indicators, including a 49 per cent decline in reported gang crimes, suggest improvements, though authorities acknowledge that long-term success will depend on consistent enforcement and strong institutional safeguards. Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen has assured the public that the broad powers granted under the new law will not be misused, and that integrity and accountability remain central to implementation.

As the Government enters its third year, its anti-gang and anti-drug agenda stands as one of its most extensive reform areas, an attempt to deliver safer communities, disrupt organised criminal networks, and offer meaningful avenues for rehabilitation across the Maldives.