Police have said that a major counternarcotics operation announced by President Mohamed began at dawn today.
In a post on social media, Muizzu said the government was working to free the country from drugs.
Police later told the media that the operation involving more than 500 officers began at 5:30 am. They will raid over 100 locations across the country.
Police said the Operation Alimagu is the most extensive counternarcotics operation in recent years.
“This operation is part of our sustained efforts to stop and eradicate drug-dealing and trafficking networks operating in the country and bring to justice those responsible for the spread of drugs in society,” the police said.
Muizzu has been speaking out against drugs since coming to power. As part of that effort, the government has also passed a Gang Act that gives the police greater powers in operations against drug trafficking and criminal gangs.
The government says it has a very strict policy against drugs. In July, Muizzu ordered a review of the death penalty for drug smugglers and traffickers.
