Police Target Financial Backers Behind Drug Networks 

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has intensified financial investigations into drug-related crimes, with 25 financial investigations currently underway as authorities seek to identify and dismantle the individuals financing major narcotics networks.

The development was revealed during a press briefing by the Drug Enforcement Department (DED), where police outlined their efforts to move beyond the seizure of narcotics and arrests and target the financial structures supporting drug trafficking.

In addition to the 25 financial investigations, police are currently conducting three investigations into organized criminal networks linked to drug-related activities.

Chief Superintendent Ahmed Muslim said the statistics presented by police should not simply be interpreted as an increase in crime, noting that the figures also reflect changes in police strategy, operational methods and investigative priorities.

As part of the broader crackdown, police investigated 94 cases that met the criteria for drug trafficking during the first seven months of 2026. These cases resulted in 147 arrests, while 83 cases were forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution.

Authorities have also taken administrative measures against individuals involved in drug-related offences. A total of 116 foreign nationals were handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation proceedings, while 37 individuals requiring rehabilitation were referred to relevant authorities for treatment.

Police have additionally used powers granted under the Third Amendment to the Drugs Act to close six premises in Malé identified as locations associated with drug use. The premises M. Gunzar, M. Tharivillage, M. Ameeramanzi, M. Seven and House, M. Kandufinige and M. Land of Garden remain under police monitoring.

The police said the focus on financial investigations and organized criminal networks is intended to disrupt the infrastructure supporting drug trafficking, rather than limiting enforcement efforts to individual arrests and drug seizures.

The approach forms part of MPS efforts to dismantle the wider networks involved in the trafficking and distribution of narcotics in the Maldives.