The Maldives Police Service has announced that 38 Bangladeshi nationals have been handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation in connection with alleged illicit activities, including drug possession, drug use, and gambling.

In a statement, police said the individuals were taken into custody during a joint operation conducted by Police Intelligence and the Drug Enforcement Department. The operation was launched based on intelligence reports related to suspected unlawful activities.

Authorities confirmed that all 38 detainees are Bangladeshi men. They have since been transferred to the custody of the Maldives Immigration to facilitate deportation proceedings in accordance with the Immigration Act.

Police noted that the involvement of some foreign nationals in criminal activities, including drug-related offences, remains a concern. The presence of undocumented migrants has also posed ongoing challenges for enforcement agencies.

The Government has pledged to address issues related to undocumented migrants within the first three years of its term. As part of these efforts, Operation Kurangi has been launched to collect biometric data and regularise undocumented workers.