The Maldives Police Service has arrested key leaders of one of the largest drug trafficking networks operating in Addu City, as part of the nationwide anti-narcotics crackdown known as Operation Alimagu.

Maldives Police Service confirmed that senior members of the network were taken into custody following a targeted operation, under an investigation launched in March into drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

According to police, the network has been active since 2017 and more than MVR 19 million has flowed through the accounts of four primary suspects over the past five years. Authorities stated that the arrests are a significant breakthrough in dismantling the criminal organisation.

Operation Alimagu was launched on 1 November and is being conducted in multiple phases across the country. As of 25 November, 110 individuals, including several drug lords, have been arrested. Police have carried out searches at 105 locations, deployed over 500 officers, and conducted land and sea operations across 39 islands. Between 1–14 November alone, officers seized 30 kilogrammes of illicit drugs.

Police said the latest operation in Addu City remains ongoing and further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The arrests come as the Parliament of the Maldives this week passed amendments to the Drugs Act, introducing capital punishment for those convicted of smuggling drugs into the country. Under the new legislation, the death penalty can only be implemented following a unanimous decision of the Supreme Court. If unanimity is not achieved, offenders will receive a life sentence and a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million. Life sentences under the revised law are not eligible for parole, reduction, or pardon, and plea agreements are prohibited in such cases.