As part of its efforts to strengthen the national response on drug use prevention, the National Drug Control Council, in collaboration with other stakeholders is working to determine the causes for drug abuse and trade, as well as the necessary measures to be taken to address the issues.
Discussions are mainly focused on the programmes being conducted to eliminate the drug problem, the challenges being faced in conducting the programmes, and to determine the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.
In this regard, a retreat was held on February 3, 2013 in Bandos Island Resort and Spa to discuss the matter. The retreat was attended by members of the National Drug Control Council, relevant state institutions and non-governmental organizations.
Participants of the retreat informed the council on the challenges faced by the different agencies, and recommended solutions.
Prior to the presentation of their concerns, separate meetings were held at the President’s Office with all the agencies that attended the retreat. A workshop was also held at the Maldives Customs Service, on 28 and 31 January 2013.
At the retreat, participants noted that the biggest difficulties faced in combating the drug issue included the lack of coordination among the stakeholders, the challenging legal structure, budgetary difficulties and the lack of expertise in the area.
A committee was selected from the participants of the retreat, and a number of meetings have been held at the President’s Office to prioritize the issues to be addressed.
Council members have decided to compile and submit to the council, the issues noted by the different stakeholders and their recommendations.
