Chief Justice Hails Joint NDA-Court Recovery Programme as Model, Urges Graduates to Persevere in Reintegration

Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed has commended a joint drug rehabilitation initiative led by the National Drug Agency (NDA) and the Drug Court, describing it as a critical intervention designed to extract individuals from the grip of addiction and restore them to society.

The chief justice delivered his remarks during a formal ceremony marking the conclusion of the collaborative programme, where he underscored the importance of structured legal and therapeutic support in addressing substance dependency. He acknowledged the strength and determination of the 52 participants who successfully completed the treatment process.

“This initiative represents a significant effort to provide treatment to individuals affected by the drug scourge through a formalised legal system, ultimately facilitating their reintegration into the community,” he said. Certificates of completion were presented by the chief justice to all 52 graduates, recognising their commitment to recovery and the challenges they had overcome.

In his address, he urged the graduates to remain vigilant in their journey ahead. “I urge you, these strong individuals, to remain steadfast on the path you are now pursuing. With the grace and assistance of Almighty Allah, you have successfully concluded the treatment phase,” he said.

He added that the road to full reintegration would demand continued perseverance. “However, the forthcoming phases also present significant challenges. It is therefore essential to prepare thoroughly for these stages. The subsequent phases must be navigated and overcome with the same resolute and strong determination you currently display.”

The chief justice also spoke to the role of spiritual resilience in sustaining recovery, noting that strengthening one’s faith and belief is essential to overcoming adversity and achieving success.

Turning to broader social concerns, he addressed the value of altruism and the economic pressures confronting many. “A significant disparity exists between the effort expended to generate income and the essential expenditures that must be incurred in life,” he said. “However, offering something as aid to another person will never result in a reduction of one’s own possessions. If something is given, the return will be received twofold.”

In support of long-term reintegration, the government is developing targeted policies to assist individuals recovering from addiction. A central component of this strategy involves collaboration with private sector entities and government-linked companies to secure employment opportunities for programme graduates.

To reinforce these efforts, the NDA has instituted monitoring mechanisms that extend beyond the treatment phase. These measures apply not only to individuals currently undergoing rehabilitation but also to those who have completed the programme and re-entered society.