Maldives: Boosting security and law enforcement, new Airport Control Unit established at the Velana International Airport 

Male, Maldives/15 November 2025: Airports serve as vital gateways for trade and connectivity, yet they also present vulnerabilities as channels for illicit trafficking. The growing volume of air cargo and increasing sophistication of criminal networks have underscored the need for specialized law enforcement capabilities to detect high-risk goods while ensuring the seamless movement of legitimate commerce.

Marking a milestone in strengthening aviation security in the Maldives, a new Airport Control Unit (ACU) was formally established at the Velana International Airport in Male, under the UNODC Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP). The ACU was inaugurated by Mr. Ibrahim Mafaaz, Deputy Commissioner of Maldives Customs Service, Mr. Brian Sells, First Secretary of the U.S. Embassy in the Maldives and Ms. Cristina Iampieri, Head of the PCCP.

ACU members also received state-of-the-art communication and IT equipment, enhancing their operational capabilities. Since its introduction in the Maldives in 2014, the PCCP has provided continuous technical support, training, and equipment to Maldives Customs Service. The launch of the new ACU office marks a significant milestone in this ongoing partnership, consolidating operational capacity and improving coordination in targeting illicit cargo shipments.

With enhanced infrastructure and advanced tools, ACU personnel are better equipped to apply intelligence-led risk management, profiling, and targeted inspection techniques. Using cargo information systems, non-intrusive scanning, and close interagency coordination, officers can concentrate on high-risk shipments, including drugs, precursor chemicals, contraband, and other illicit goods, while minimizing disruptions to legitimate trade. The integration of real-time data analysis and shared intelligence further strengthens their ability to uncover hidden threats and intercept dangerous consignments before they enter the marketplace.

UNODC, with continued support from the U.S. Government, remains committed to further advancing the Maldives’ capacity to secure its borders, protect public safety, and maintain the integrity of its air transport system.

This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the US Government)