The Maldives Police Service has taken part in a regional dialogue in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening cooperation among South Asian countries to combat migrant smuggling and related cross-border crimes.

The Regional Dialogue on Smuggling of Migrants was held in Negombo, Sri Lanka, on 7 and 8 May and was organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The Maldives was represented by Inspector of Police Shuaib Abdul Rahman.

Police said the meeting served as an important platform for countries in South Asia to enhance collaboration and develop coordinated legal and operational strategies to prevent the illegal movement and smuggling of migrants.

Discussions focused on the scale and methods of migrant smuggling, as well as the challenges countries face in investigating and prosecuting such offences.

Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation mechanisms to address organised cross-border crime.

The dialogue underscored the need for closer coordination among law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, customs, prosecutors and maritime security institutions to dismantle criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling.

Additional discussions centred on intelligence sharing, the use and preservation of digital evidence, and the need to build the capacity of officials involved in investigating and prosecuting migrant smuggling and related offences.

The Maldives Police Service said participation in international and regional initiatives of this kind forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen institutional and operational capabilities, enhance officers’ skills, and deepen cooperation with foreign agencies in tackling transnational crime and security threats.