The Maldives Police Service has said that 11 drug cafés have been shut down so far this year as part of intensified drug enforcement operations.

Police Drug Enforcement officials released statistics on operations and investigations carried out in 2025 during a press conference held on Wednesday.

Speaking at the briefing, Chief Inspector of Police Fatih Mohamed said the closures followed targeted operations, particularly in the Malé area, where a number of drug cafés had been operating.

He said a total of 188 drug-related operations were conducted nationwide between 1 January and 20 December. During these operations, 137 foreign nationals identified in connection with drug-related activities were handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation.

Chief Inspector Fatih added that 301 drug users were identified during the period and referred to the National Drug Agency (NDA) for treatment through the drug court system.

Police also carried out body searches on 16,024 individuals who met trafficking indicators or were suspected of involvement in drug-related offences. As a result of these checks, 997 people were arrested, he said.