President Reaffirms Government's Commitment to Addressing Drug Issue and Pursuing Development

News

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to pursuing development while tackling the major issues that have been overlooked by previous administrations, particularly the escalating drug problem in the Maldives. Speaking to the residents of AA. Rasdhoo Island, the President acknowledged that drug addiction has been a pervasive issue, affecting every family, island, and community for decades.

The President emphasized that addressing the drug issue is one of the Government's top priorities, recognizing its harmful impact on youth and the nation's stability. He pledged that the Government will focus on rehabilitating drug addicts and ensuring a constructive future for the youth, which he described as essential for the development of every island in the country.

Dr Muizzu highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability to sustain the nation's economy, particularly through the promotion of a positive image internationally. He pointed out that overcoming drug addiction is integral to achieving this goal.

In his speech, the President shared the significant progress made by the current Government over the past year in combating the drug trade. He revealed that 153 undocumented foreigners involved in the drug trade had been arrested and deported, marking a notable increase in enforcement efforts. Furthermore, President Muizzu reported that search operations at drug vendors and consumption establishments had increased substantially, with over 13,000 raids conducted in the past year alone, resulting in the seizure of 655 kg of drugs — a sharp rise from the previous year’s 113 kg.

The total value of drugs seized by the Government was estimated at 1.3 billion rufiya, a significant increase from the 255 million rufiya in the previous year. The President assured that individuals involved in such activities within law enforcement agencies would be held accountable.

Dr Muizzu also noted that the Government's long-term vision includes addressing substance abuse comprehensively, with a bill already introduced in Parliament to facilitate progress. He called for public cooperation, stating that overcoming societal challenges requires collective effort, and true growth goes beyond visible development to resolving deeper-rooted issues. The President emphasized that the Maldives has the potential to overcome these challenges with unity and determination.