Home Minister Ali Ihusan has vowed that the Government’s ongoing operations will deliver a permanent solution to drug smuggling and dealing in the Maldives.

He made the remarks during a community meeting in Th. Buruni, held as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing tour of the atoll. Responding to residents’ concerns about drug abuse and the lack of police presence on the island, the Minister said the focus has shifted from targeting drug users to going after smugglers and dealers directly.

Buruni residents, with a population of around 400, requested the construction of a police station on the island. Minister Ihusan confirmed that practical work on establishing a station will begin this year. He added that a special nationwide operation is already underway, with results expected before the end of the year.

The Minister stressed that tackling drug-related crimes is one of President Muizzu’s top priorities, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to eliminating the issue.

His remarks come shortly after the conclusion of the largest drug smuggling case in recent Maldivian history, in which two men were sentenced to 50 years in prison and fined MVR 10 million each for trafficking more than 127 kg of drugs on a fishing vessel. Four others, including two Bangladeshi nationals, received life sentences in the same case.