The Criminal Court has ordered the temporary closure of part of Maafannu Land of Garden in Malé after it was suspected of being used to facilitate illegal drug use.

The closure order, issued under the Drugs Act, took effect on Monday and will remain in force until 11 October 2026, covering a period of three months. The premises are the sixth location to be closed as part of an ongoing operation by the Maldives Police Service to shut down places suspected of facilitating drug-related activities in Malé.

Since May this year, the court has ordered the closure of five other locations in the capital for three months. They are Henveiru Gunzaru from 6 May to 3 August 2026, Maafannu Tharivilaage from 22 May to 22 August 2026, part of Maafannu Ameeru Manzil from 1 June to 1 September 2026, Maafannu Seven End House from 11 June to 9 September 2026, and one room on the first floor of Henveiru Kandufinige from 25 June to 24 September 2026.

Police said entering any premises sealed under a court order without authorisation during the closure period is a criminal offence. Legal action will also be taken against anyone who unlawfully enters or causes damage to such properties.

The police further stated that enforcement efforts carried out under powers granted by the Drugs Act will continue without interruption. They added that operations to identify additional locations suspected of facilitating drug trafficking or drug use and to seek court orders for their closure will also continue.