Colombo, Dec 9 (IANS): The Maldivian government has stepped up efforts to combat drug trafficking and six times more drugs were seized so far in 2024 compared to 2023, President Mohamed Muizzu said.
Addressing a meeting, the President said the drugs seized so far this year are estimated to have a street value of around $84 million.
He added that over 150 expatriates linked to drug trafficking have been deported so far this year, which is twice that of 2023, Xinhua news agency reported quoting state-owned Public Service Media.
The President said police have raided over 13,435 establishments this year amid the nationwide crackdown on trafficking, adding that around 8,500 raids were conducted last year.