The United States has donated 150 drug and precursor field test kits to the Maldives Police Service in a move aimed at strengthening the country's efforts to combat drug-related crime.

The equipment was formally handed over during a ceremony held Monday at the Iskandhar Building, where Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed accepted the donation on behalf of the Maldives Police Service.

The test kits were provided by the US State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and delivered to the Maldives Police Service through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The handover was conducted by UNODC representatives Enrico Boninsegna and Mihyar Alnaifaidy.

During the ceremony, Commissioner Ahmed expressed appreciation to the United States and UNODC for their continued support.

He said the new equipment would improve the efficiency of frontline officers by enabling faster testing during drug-related operations and investigations, while also strengthening the police's overall response to narcotics offenses.

According to the Maldives Police Service, the 150 field test kits are capable of providing rapid and reliable results, allowing officers to identify a wide range of illegal drugs and precursor substances more efficiently during enforcement operations.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Maldives Police Service and officials from UNODC.

The donation comes as authorities continue to intensify efforts to address the growing challenge of drug-related crime in the Maldives through enhanced law enforcement capabilities and international cooperation.