6 TOP DRUG DEALERS IDENTIFIED - PRESIDENT

President Mohamed Nasheed has said that six leading drug dealers in the
country have been identified. The President made this statement on
Saturday afternoon while speaking with the people of Dhevvadhoo.

Dhevvadhoo is the third leg of President Nasheed ongoing tour of some
islands of North and South Huvadhu atoll.

Focusing on the drug issue in the country, the President said that the
problem cannot be resolved by without arresting these six individuals and
by just arresting and torturing drug abusing youths.

Furthermore, the President said if these six individuals were arrested
now, it would appear that the government was negatively influencing the
elections by arresting members of the opposition parties.

He also reiterated the government's commitment to treat all drug offenders
and to close down all ports of drugs trafficking through strict monitoring
and vigilance.

The President also spoke on the developmental projects planned for
Dhevvadhoo. He said that water and sewerage projects would begin in the
island this year. In addition, he said that the government planned to
operate the Dhevvadhoo power house under the Utilities Company.