Maldives Police have made the first arrests under the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act, ratified earlier this year.

Police confirmed three suspects were taken into custody during a court-ordered raid on a house in Malé City. The suspects have been identified as 30-year-old Ahmed Nawaz, 22-year-old Ibrahim Zaidhaan, and 22-year-old Mohamed Shidhaadh.

According to police, the operation followed intelligence that gang members were planning serious crimes and stockpiling sharp weapons in safe houses.

The arrests mark the first enforcement action since the law came into effect in May. The Act defines offences and penalties related to gang activity and organised crime, while strengthening police powers, introducing child protection measures, and creating mechanisms to monitor high-risk individuals.

Authorities say the legislation provides a broader framework for tackling gangs — one of the most persistent security challenges in the Maldives.