Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihsaan confirmed the use of Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) during the October 3 protest in Malé.
Police first used LRAD in 2013. The first model, LRAD 300 X, was mounted on a vehicle used by Police Special Operations.
The LRAD 100 X model was used during the October 3 operation. Police first deployed this model in May 2023 for public order operations.
Minister said LRAD systems help with long-range communication, crowd control, border security, maritime safety, and emergency notifications.
Law enforcement and public safety agencies in over 100 countries currently use LRAD systems. Militaries also rely on them worldwide.
