Following majority parliamentary support leading to the passing of the Drugs Bill, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed has expressed his gratitude to Members of the Parliament.
In a statement made today, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed praised the collective efforts of Members of the Parliament and singled out MP Mohamed Nasheed of South Kulhudhuffushi constituency for his plentiful support in setting out the legal framework of the Drugs Bill. The Vice President further expressed his appreciation for all government institutions; NGO’s and UN related assistance for facilitating submission of the Drugs Bill to the Parliament.
In his statement the Vice President reiterated that drug use is the leading cause of the most disturbing and widespread social problems in the Maldives and that the bill will pave the way for addressing drug abuse, which is a key electoral pledge of the MDP-led government. The Vice President further stated that the Drugs Bill is aimed towards clamping down hard on drug dealers and designing treatment mechanisms and establishing rehabilitationary institutions for young Maldivian victims of drug abuse.
The Vice President further stated that the government aimed to place emphasis on a ‘Second Chance Programme’ that will assist reintegration of inmates into society.