The Maldives Customs Service has reported that 86 kilograms of drugs have been seized so far this year, marking an increase compared to the same period last year.

Deputy Commissioner of Customs Ibrahim Mafaz said enforcement operations have been prioritised, with inspections of cargo and passengers arriving by air and sea expanded. He noted that the seizures were carried out in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service and Immigration.

Customs currently operates across eight international airports and seaports, with efforts to strengthen detection supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which has provided 20 drug and precursor testing kits and 60 pocket kits.

Authorities also reported seizures of other illegal items in recent months, including 7,000 vape sticks and 2 million cigarettes.

The Government is addressing the drug issue through both enforcement and rehabilitation efforts. The National Drug Agency has previously estimated that around 10,000 people use drugs in the Maldives, with rehabilitation centres currently operating in nine regions and additional facilities under development.