Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has said Maldives Customs has seized a total of 86 kilogrammes of drugs and 2,003 vape devices so far this year.

Speaking at a press briefing at the President’s Office, Minister Ihusaan said Customs intercepted 14 drug smuggling cases between March 5 and the present, during which 38 kilogrammes of drugs were seized, forming part of the overall total recorded this year.

He added that enforcement efforts have been intensified to curb illicit imports, noting that Customs has also seized 2,003 vape devices while being smuggled into the Maldives, as part of ongoing action against banned products.

The minister further said that joint operations by the Maldives Police Service and Customs have resulted in the seizure of 39.4 kilogrammes of drugs since early March, reflecting continued coordination between agencies to address drug trafficking.