700 in queue awaiting rehab, special operation to expedite treatment

The National Drug Agency (NDA) has announced efforts to expedite the treatment of approximately 700 individuals required by the court to seek drug rehabilitation therapy.

NDA Chief Executive Officer Imad Solih, while speaking at the press conference held on Wednesday, December 20, by the Ministry of Homeland Security, said at total of 700 individuals ordered rehab treatment have been in the backlog since 2018.

Imad affirmed the launch of a special operation to expedite the treatment.

"Joint efforts are put by the entire technical and administrative staff of NDA to expedite the treatment of the clients as per the court orders. We are working on contacting the clients in the upcoming two or so days, and have hired specific staff for the purpose already," Imad said.

Imad further said that NDA hopes to provide treatment to the entire 700 patients on the 'waitlist' within the upcoming four months.

He also said that joint efforts are underway by the Prosecutor General's Office, police, Drug Court, and the Criminal Court to bring a permanent solution to the issue of addicts on roads.

"We executed a similar operation last Ramadan as well. Observations should have been made that the roads back then were peaceful, but its back to the old situation once again. So, stronger efforts are now made to bring said clients into treatment," Imad said.

He also announced the authority's initiatives to relaunch the currently halted operations of the NDA center in Haa Dhaalu atoll Hanimaadhoo and establish a center at Noonu atoll Velidhoo as well. He added that services would be introduced in Laamu atoll in January 2024 as well.

Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shakir, in-charge of the Drug Enforcement Department (DED) said that 54 repeat offenders of drug abuse, thievery and looting have been identified already. Shakir added that the authority was now attempting to bring these individuals into rehabilitation.

"In the upcoming week, we will bring these 54 individuals under authority's supervision and bring about a public impact," Shakir said.

Shakir further said that 30 expatriates regularly found from criminal environment have been handed over to the Maldives Immigration to process their deportation.