The Maldives Police Service has said that 166 locations have been raided and 193 people arrested as part of Operation Alimagu, a large-scale nationwide operation targeting drug trafficking networks across the Maldives.

The operation was launched on 13 November under the direction of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, with the deployment of over 500 police officers across multiple atolls. The latest figures were disclosed at a press conference by the Drug Enforcement Department.

Speaking to the media, Chief Inspector of Police Fathih Mohamed said the operation is being carried out in collaboration with Counter Narcotics Intelligence, Drug Enforcement units, and regional police centres. He said raids have been conducted in 39 islands, resulting in the arrest of 186 men and seven women. In addition, police searched nine vessels suspected of being linked to drug-related activities.

According to police, officers seized a total of 30.63 kilogrammes of drugs and 182 bottles of alcohol during the course of the operation. Fathih said the most recent phase of Operation Alimagu concluded this morning, with nine additional arrests made in connection with the operation, including six men and three women apprehended on Wednesday.

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has previously said the Government intends to sustain pressure on drug networks until the drug problem is eradicated. Speaking on the day the operation began, the Minister said the Administration is determined to dismantle drug trafficking operations and prevent young people from being drawn into drug abuse.

Operation Alimagu is the largest coordinated crackdown on drug trafficking undertaken in the Maldives to date, with further enforcement actions to continue as investigations progress.