2024: Gov’t. Targets Gang Crime, Drug Issues, Illegal Immigration and Child Protection

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology works closely with relevant authorities to maintain the country’s domestic peace and security, reduce crime, enhance public safety and ensure the safety of property and funds.

In 2024, the Ministry’s home sector undertook strategic initiatives targeting four challenging areas that need addressing to ensure the country’s internal security and safety. These include addressing long-standing issues deeply rooted in society which continues to cause various community issues and also generate concern from the public.

These areas include gang crimes, persisting drug issues, the issue of illegal immigrants and the increase in the number of children exposed to criminal environments. These issues were identified and addressed under the direct guidance of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who placed special emphasis on their resolution. The Homeland Security Ministry has set its targets on adequately addressing and resolving these four areas before the end of the ongoing presidential term. Several efforts were undertaken last year to kick start the works. Tackling Gang Crime When the current government assumed office in November 2023, gangs were extremely rampant in the country, with 44 gangs active in Male’ City alone. While these gangs operated with no regard for laws and authorities, nine gangs were identified as groups committing dangerous crimes, the Homeland Ministry had said. While over 2,800 individuals are associated with gangs, records show 1,300 individuals are those who commit dangerous crimes. To establish a safe and secure Maldives, the Homeland Security Ministry began work to eliminate the hubs from which gangs operated. While there are laws in place to support such initiatives, previous governments had not applied and enforced these laws to address gang crimes. The current government set its sights on changing this practice.

Steps taken to address gang crime:

Establishment of a dedicated wing at Maldives Police Service for gang crimes, titled Special Wing
The drafting of a new bill outlining severe punishments for gang crimes and sending it for Parliament approval
Identifying drivers and towing vehicles used for extreme driving
Patrolling and monitoring gang activities in Male’ and Hulhumale’

By the end of 2024, the number of gang crimes investigated and sent for prosecution saw an increase compared to the previous year. Combating Drug Trafficking Although governments have been combatting drug issues that have plagued the Maldives for the past 47 years, an adequate reform has not been brought about to date. As a result, the drug issue has evolved into a dangerous epidemic that renders generations useless against productivity. Its dangers have become so deeply rooted, and swift and urgent steps need to be taken to tackle this issue.

Efforts have been undertaken to identify the Maldives’ main gateway, Velana International Airport (VIA)’s camera blind spots and increase security to address smuggling drugs via air. To tackle drug trafficking via sea, efforts are underway to install vessel tracking devices. The government is making arrangements such that an e-Faas login is required to declare any items that arrive via the postal system.

Tourist vessels that are suspected of engaging in illegal alcohol trade are being monitored around the clock, and operations in the atolls have targeted distribution rings in the islands. Foreigners involved in drug use and drug trafficking are now being deported within 24 hours. Meanwhile, amendments to the Drug Act were also submitted to the Parliament. During the first year of administration, the number of liquor seizures increased by 120 percent compared to the previous year. While the amount of drugs seized in 12 atolls under special operations increased by 60 percent compared to the previous year, over 14 kilo grams of drugs were seized through post packages alone. In 2024, over 140 foreigners were deported due links to drug issues. Addressing Illegal Immigration In 2024, the Maldives Immigration, in collaboration with Maldives Police Service and other relevant agencies, undertook unprecedented efforts to tackle the issue of illegal immigrants in the Maldives.

These efforts included:
Closure of over 400 businesses run illegally by foreigners
Raiding prostitution rings, with 90 foreigners arrested
Closure of food production businesses that produced food in unhygienic conditions
The introduction of Immigration Watch and attending to 660 out of 900 cases submitted
Deportation of over 5,000 illegal immigrants

The Homeland Security Ministry also collected information on foreign employees in 50 islands under Operation Kurangi, which has been running since 2014. Under these efforts, information on over 19,000 foreigners were collected. Reducing the number of children exposed to criminal environments While over 400 children are exposed to criminal environments, gangs and other criminals have been exploiting children exposed to such environments to carry out various crimes.

To address this area, the government has undertaken the following efforts:
Financial planning and other arrangements required for establishing Hope Island on Vaanee.
The development and implementation of a roadmap for full implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Decision to change the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years
Completion of the Kudahuvadhoo Juvenile Residential Treatment Centre The Maldives Police Service, which comes under the Homeland Security and Technology Ministry, also undertook significant efforts to expand its services in 2024. In this regard, police posts were established in 24 islands which previously did not have a police presence. A maritime operation centre is also been established in Gadhdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Additionally, an anti-scam centre has been established within the Police service, and the number of traffic police has also been increased. Reforming convicts and reintegrating offenders back into society The closure of the Male’ Prison and reuse of the former annex jail
Investigation into 13 officers suspected of smuggling contraband and prosecuting five officers
Construction of 42 cells at Hulhumale Prison
Establishment of cultural grounds in Maafushi Prison

In addition, the Homeland Security Ministry and other home sector agencies also undertook efforts to expedite the provision of services. This includes arranging the availability of some services in islands, eliminating the need to travel to Male’ to obtain the service. The launch of the Emergency Service Hotline, 911, is also a key initiative launched by the Homeland Security Ministry.