Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has announced that a full container scanner will be brought into operation within the next four months in efforts to strengthen border security and curb the smuggling of illegal goods and narcotics into the Maldives.

Speaking at a press briefing held to mark World No Tobacco Day, the minister said effective enforcement of Maldivian laws remains a key priority of the Government. He highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent the import of prohibited vape products and other illegal items into the country.

The minister stated that authorities are closely monitoring security at the country's borders and are using intelligence analysis to identify and intercept illegal goods entering the Maldives. He noted that the increasing number of seizures reflects stronger enforcement efforts by relevant agencies and added that more comprehensive screening measures at customs facilities would further improve detection rates.

Minister Ihusaan said the Government has decided to establish a container scanning system to strengthen existing enforcement mechanisms. He said work is currently underway, in collaboration with Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), to install a full container scanner at the country's main commercial port, with the project expected to be completed and operational within four months.

The minister further stated that addressing drug trafficking remains a key priority of the Administration. He noted that one of the Government's major policy decisions was to bring institutions working on drug-related issues under a single ministry to improve coordination and strengthen efforts aimed at reducing both drug supply and demand.

Authorities have also expanded screening procedures for imported goods, with inspections now being carried out more extensively than in previous years. A total of 1,294 kilograms of drugs have been seized over the past two and a half years as part of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics smuggling into the Maldives.