Today is the international day held to mark the work carried out against the spread of drugs.
United Nations first marked the day in 1987 to protect the society from drugs, drug usage and drug trafficking. Additionally, the day is also held to raise awareness of the pitfalls of drug usage.
It has been noted that the drug problem facing Maldives is quite sever, with much of the population is dependent of drugs.
Statistics published in 2008 shows that everyday drugs worth MVR 2 million is traded, which amounts to MVR 60 million a month and MVR 720 million annually.
This figure is even more concerning when we take in to account that the Maldivian economy is worth MVR 1 billion.
Even though no statistics have been published since 2008, it can be surmised that the figure would have doubled.
President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayoom had recently called on the youth of the nation to refrain from drug usage and become productive members of the nation. He stated that the present government was one that would encourage personal development, educational opportunities for drug free youth.
Sri Lanka is a nation that deals with drug offenses with serious punishments. Sri Lankan President recently stated that he would soon move for a referendum on death penalty for drug traffickers.
Combating drug issue is a critical one for the future of the nation.