| DATE: 2007-11-03 |
MALE, November 3, 2007 (Haveeru News Service) -- This is not a new problem in Maldives. In fact, this issue has been covered and talked about much. But there is every reason to be concerned about this and discuss the issue as much as we can. This is a problem that hasn’t been solved yet, and it is an issue which the society at large would like to be addressed as soon as possible.
The first step that needs to be taken is to identify the ways how drugs are smuggled in and make an effort to close those doors. Security at Male Commercial Harbor and Male International Airport has to be strengthened. Without taking that measure, there is no way we can stop drug trafficking here.
The other step that we need to take is actually implement the sentences that are passed against drug traffickers and repeat offenders, in addition to giving proper rehabilitation to abusers. In addition to the rehabilitation center at Himmafushi island, we need to strengthen the rehabilitation program at Maafushi prison as well.
Strengthening of rehabilitation programs is another way by which drug abuse problem can be properly tackled. This would involve making efficient the rehab programs carried out by private parties and the programs undertaken by the National Narcotics Control Bureau.
According to international donor agencies Maldives may already be the drug abuse capital of the world; according to United Nations agencies, there are over 5,000 heroin addicts in Male alone which means that each family has a heroin addict, a fact that would surprise and shock any person. Even during last Ramadan, the fasting month, there were many cases of drug abuse and trafficking reported by Police.
And what’s more worrying is that drug abuse is on the rise in rural islands where the youth has nothing much to do in the way of earning income or engaging in creative work. If drug abuse as a problem starts plaguing the peaceful little island communities across the archipelago, it will pose a serious problem to law and order in the country and national security, not to mention the socioeconomic problems this will create.
Drug abuse and trafficking is an issue which has to be taken very seriously. If everyone joins together in eradicating this problem, it won’t be a difficult task as this is a small country. What we need is strong commitment and will from everyone.
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