Police Conduct 415 Raids in Gang Crime Hotspots Over Weekend

Police conducted a massive operation over the weekend, raiding 415 locations identified as gang crime hotspots across Male' and Hulhumale'. According to the Gang Crime Suppression Department, 94 individuals were questioned, and six vehicles were searched during the operation. Four of these vehicles were subsequently impounded. The police also carried out more than nine hours of foot patrols as part of their efforts to combat gang-related activities. At a press conference on Tuesday, police revealed that one case had been submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office for a group to be formally declared a gang under the Prevention of Gang Crimes Act. Superintendent Ishaq Adam, head of the Gang Crime Enforcement Unit, stated that the office had requested further clarification before proceeding. Since the law came into force, police have raided six locations and arrested 11 individuals across seven cases. Ishaq noted that organized criminal groups were active prior to the legislation and emphasized that police operations are ongoing in the atolls. 'There has been a significant decrease in gang-related activity in recent months compared to earlier this year,' he said. 'We are confident this law will allow us to use the legal framework in the most effective way possible.'