The National Drug Agency (NDA) has said there are 700 individuals requiring court-mandated drug treatment, and efforts are underway to expedite their rehabilitation.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, NDA's CEO, Imad Solih said there is a significant backlog of individuals sentenced to community treatment by the Drug Court since 2018.
Imad said a special operation has been initiated to fast-track the treatment of these individuals and that a joint team comprising technical and administrative teams of special staff from the NDA has been appointed to accelerate treatment arrangements. He said NDA would contact those in need of treatment within two days.
To manage the backlog, the NDA aims to complete the treatment of these individuals within the next four months. Imad said efforts are being made to tackle the problem of drug addicts on the streets in collaboration with the relevant agencies.
Imad Solih revealed plans to resume operations at the drug treatment center in HDh. Hanimaadhoo. Additionally, NDA treatment services will be extended to Noonu Belidhoo and Laamu Atoll, he said.
The NDA was last under the Health Ministry in the last government. However, as the current government considers the drug issue as a national security issue, it runs the NDA under the Homeland Security Ministry. Imad Solih welcomed this change during the press conference.
Speaking at the press conference, Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shakir said 54 individuals involved in theft and robbery under the influence of drugs have been identified in the city, and they are being directed towards treatment.
