Stats show drop in drug-related crimes

Statistics released by the Maldives Police Service show a decline in reports of drug-related crimes within the first half of this year, compared to the same period the previous year.

Police received reports of 3,819 drug offenses in 2023, including 946 cases within the first six months.

This year, reports of drug offenses within the first six months stand at 843 – a decline of 102 cases compared to last year.

DRUG CASES IN MONTHS (2024):

• January: 150 cases
• February: 126 cases
• March: 129 cases
• April: 116 cases
• May: 130 cases

June: 175 cases

DRUG CASES IN MONTHS (2023):

• January: 130 cases
• February: 158 cases
• March: 168 cases
• April: 180 cases
• May: 161 cases
• June: 148 cases

The statistics also show a decline in reported cases of thefts and robberies in June this year, compared to the previous month.

In June, police received reports of 315 thefts and 29 robberies. In the previous month, the numbers stood at 335 thefts and 50 robberies.

In a post on X on Friday night, the chief police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan said that “it is encouraging to see a decrease in theft and robbery in June compared to May, despite no significant changes in overall crime patterns.”

Drug-related offenses are one of the biggest issues facing the Maldives, with inmates convicted of drug offenses making for over half of the prison population.