President Solih Pledges Support from the Government for Improved Maldives Custom Services

On Monday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih reaffirmed that the government would take all necessary measures to improve the effectiveness of the Maldives Customs Service. He said this while speaking at a celebration for the Maldives Customs Service's 132nd anniversary that was held in Dharubaaruge.
 
The President emphasized the duties and roles of customs officers, noting that they frequently deal with dangerous situations like attempts to import illegal weapons or different kinds of illegal drugs. He claimed that as the guardians of the Maldivian borders, it was their responsibility to stop the importation of such illegal goods into the nation.
 
In order to equip customs officers to handle risky situations, President Solih also emphasized the significance of providing them with basic necessities. In this regard, he pledged to set up a system whereby customs officers could live in apartments built by the government and to enable a provision in the Maldives Customs Service's 2020–2024 Strategic Action Plan that would give them access to health insurance.
 
The President highlighted the efforts being made by the government to enhance Maldives Customs' offerings, stating that the objective is to increase the organization's effectiveness and find a solution to the community's societal issues with drug abuse, terrorism, and money laundering.
 
The President acknowledged the Maldives customs officers' efforts in preventing drug trafficking and noted that so far, promising results had been attained. According to him, more than 182 kg of drugs have been kept out of the country since November 2018—an increase of 32% over the previous five years.
 
President Solih presented six customs officers with the "President's Colour," a special honor, during the ceremony. The Maldives Custom Service also presented the President with a plaque in honor of the occasion. On July 18, 1890, the Maldives Customs Service was founded. It is a federal agency that performs its duties in accordance with particular laws.