Special operation launched to treat drug users in Maldives

The Drug Enforcement Department and the National Drug Agency (NDA) have initiated a special operation aimed at directing drug users into treatment, set to continue indefinitely. Superintendent of Police Nahid Hussain announced at a press conference that the Maldives Police Service will identify individuals in need of treatment and transport them to a remand centre. He noted that Section 103 of the Narcotics Act, which has never been utilized before, allows police to facilitate treatment for those in need. The operation began on October 9, resulting in 14 individuals being taken to the remand centre for treatment so far. It specifically targets street drug users, those involved in theft and robbery, and individuals found under the influence in public spaces. Chairperson of the NDA, Lubna Zahir, emphasized the goal of reducing drug-related crimes in society, highlighting the Drug Offender Remand Centres established in Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll, and Hulhumale’. She noted that operations at these centres have now fully commenced and are designed to provide effective treatment solutions. The NDA is also improving the treatment system and plans to conduct a study to assess the drug situation in the Maldives, following a request from the National Drug Council (NDC). Lubna mentioned that the NDA aims to proceed with the study and has gathered data on drug-related cases over the past five years through police records. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) regarding the study’s methodology. The last national drug assessment in the Maldives was conducted in 2012, and officials acknowledge that drug issues have become prevalent in the country. It is estimated that there are about 7,500 drug users in the Maldives.