The government backed nationwide drug prevalence survey will offer crucial data and information on drug use across all parts of the country, the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan said Tuesday.
Concurrently, the Minister confirmed that the finalised National Drug Policy is slated for completion by the end of next month, emphasising the government’s high priority on strengthening the fight against illegal substances.
Minister Ihusan provided the update in written replies to questions posed by an opposition lawmaker regarding the current drug situation and the progress of national policy formulation.
According to the Minister, the ongoing drug prevalence survey, intended to provide comprehensive information on the types of drugs being used, is being conducted in consultation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Minister Ihusan explained that primary data is currently being collected from key domestic institutions, including the Maldives Police Service (MPS), the National Drug Agency (NDA), and the Drug Court.
The data collection is rigorous, relying heavily on treatment assessments and urine test reports from individuals taken into custody, he said adding that this information allows the NDA to accurately identify the specific substances circulating in the country, thereby shaping effective intervention strategies.
The survey builds upon a pilot study launched in July aimed at refining the national drug treatment system.
Regarding the National Drug Policy, which resulted from a National Drug Control Council (NDCC) meeting held last June, Minister Ihusan confirmed that an initial draft had been prepared in collaboration with the United Nations.
However, the Minister stressed that the policy requires significant amendment to move beyond international standards and accurately reflect the unique drug situation and usage patterns specific to the Maldives. Work is currently underway to incorporate necessary localised information gathered from police stations established across the islands, he explained, expressing confidence that the final policy draft will be completed before the end of next month.
Minister Ihusan also highlighted the public health risks associated with drug abuse, specifically citing poor health habits among users and the subsequent high risk of spreading infectious diseases.
To mitigate this, the NDA is actively providing health assistance to the families of drug users, supported by the Indhira Gandho Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumale’ Hospital.
The agency follows a structured treatment protocol which includes psychiatric evaluation, the formulation of a comprehensive treatment plan incorporating symptomatic medical support, and psychological care. Additionally, the NDA is collecting specific data to determine the association between the use of recreational or ‘party’ drugs and mental health problems, paving the way for targeted research and policy adjustments.