Police: Unable to shutdown 3 drug cafés in Male’

Maldives Police Services on Monday revealed that there are three drug cafés that they are unable to shut down, as they are broken into after closing every time.

During a media event held by the Police to give information on drug-related operations at Iskandharu Koshi, the authority shared information on those cafés.

Police disclosed that café in M.Sanmaamuge, Ma. Seven and House and M.Dheraha were the ones in question.

Sub Inspector of Police Ahmed Jamsheed revealed to the media that three days prior, the café in Ma. Seven and House were closed, but it was broken into and Police had closed down the place for a second time on Sunday night.

“After we closed this place Ma. Seven and House three days ago, it was broken into. After the breaking in, we have shut it down again. Similarly, with the cooperation of the owner of M.Sanmaamuge, we shut it down, but some broke into the place.”

Inspector Jamsheed also said that M.Dheraha was a very open place and that all the places inside that are used for drug consumption have been closed.

“They use drugs inside the narrow ally (of M.Dheraha).”

Moreover, Police noted that the drug users have threatened the owner of M.Dheraha, and have thrown him out into the ally as well.”

“When we attend there (M.Dheraha), the house owner is also in the room. He is surrounded by drug users.”

Police stated that drug café began in Male’, towards the end of 2019, and increased in number after lockdowns were enforced due to COVID-19. They also said that people rent out older, small spaces in Male’ for very cheap, and use those places for drug cafés.

As per the number revealed to the media, there are 1,118 people who use drug café in Male’ City.