The past two years have seen the highest volume of drug seizures in Maldivian history, with confiscated drugs carrying a street value of USD 142.7 million, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has said.
Speaking on PSM News' “Hafthaa 104” programme on the occasion of the government's two-year anniversary, the Minister outlined the administration’s efforts under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s guidance to address major social challenges facing the Maldives. He noted that special work is underway to effectively address the country’s drug issue, and that the efforts have yielded satisfactory results.
"We have made the most significant efforts in our history to reduce supply. Over the past two years, we have seized the largest quantity of drugs, valued at USD 142.7 million on the streets,” he said.
Minister Ihusan added that, without the government’s intensified anti-drug efforts, the nation’s youth and children would be at far greater risk. He credited the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Customs Service for their efforts in curbing the drug trade in the Maldives.
Referring to the recent drug operation against drug traffickers across the country, the Minister said the President's decision to amend the law to impose the maximum punishment for trafficking under Islamic Sharia demonstrates the President’s commitment to saving the country from the dangerous drug epidemic.
The Minister noted that while previous governments had initiated anti-drug measures, it is the current government that is producing meaningful results in its true sense. When the current administration assumed office, essential facilities to support recovery from addiction were inadequate, he stated. However, under President Muizzu’s initiative, rehabilitation centres are now being established in three islands, he added.
"We have commenced efforts in Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Velidhoo in Noonu Atoll and Gan in Laamu Atoll. Once the infrastructure is completed and brought into service, the rehabilitation, demand reduction and harm reduction can be carried out as we desire,” the Minister said.
Minister Ihusan stressed that the government's priority is not only to halt the drug trade but also to rehabilitate drug users and those involved in drug trade. He revealed that when the government took office, more than 700 Drug Court convicts mandated to begin rehabilitation had not yet started treatment. However, with the current administration’s renewed efforts, around 350 drug addicts of various ages are now undergoing treatment through a remand centre, he said.