COLOMBO, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- More than 500 police officers carried out nationwide raids early Thursday as the Maldives launched its most extensive anti-narcotics operation in recent years, state broadcaster PSM News reported.
The campaign, ordered directly by President Mohamed Muizzu, aims to dismantle drug trafficking and distribution networks across the archipelago.
The crackdown comes as Parliament considers amendments to the country's Drugs Act that would introduce harsher penalties for drug offences, including the possibility of the death penalty for importing or trafficking narcotics, PSM News said.
The government is also working to strengthen treatment services for those affected by drug use, PSM News said, adding officers have recovered narcotics, items used for street-level drug distribution, and equipment used to brew alcohol. ■