64 illegal immigrants arrested in L. atoll

Police have arrested 64 immigrants living illegally in L. atoll last night.

Police said that in the special operation conducted with the Department of Immigration and Emigration, 64 illegal immigrants were arrested by midnight last night.

The operation that began yesterday was conducted in L. Gan, Fonadhoo, Maamendhoo, Maavashu and Isdhoo.

Police said that a total of 177 immigrants were checked in the operation.

Regarding the operation, Commander of the South Central Police Division, Chief Inspector Ahmed Shakir said that illegal immigrants would not be allowed to live in L. atoll.

He said that steps would be taken against boat captains that bring illegal immigrants to the atoll via sea. And steps would also be taken against captains that take illegal immigrants from island to island and bring an end to the illegal immigrant problem.

Police said that in a similar operation in the atoll last year, a total of 216 illegal immigrants were arrested.

Immigration said that implementing the government policy to reduce illegal immigrants in the country, 1953 illegal immigrants have been deported to their country so far.