The Maldivian government expects to see tangible progress this year in its efforts to address drug abuse, a problem officials say affects a significant portion of the country’s population.
Ahmed Siddique, Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology and Chairman of the National Drug Agency (NDA), said combating drug-related issues remains among the highest priorities for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and the Ministry of Homeland Security.
Speaking on a programme on PSM News, Siddique revealed that more than 10,000 people in the Maldives are currently using drugs, spanning multiple age groups. He noted that this figure represents a substantial proportion of the nation’s population of around 500,000 and underlined that drug abuse is no longer confined to specific areas, but prevalent across all atolls.
The government has rolled out a range of measures aimed at curbing the problem, including tighter controls to prevent drug trafficking into the country and expanded rehabilitation services designed to support recovery and reintegration into society. Mr Siddique said significant public funds have been committed to these efforts.
In his role as NDA chairman, he explained that the allocated budget extends beyond medication costs, covering accommodation, food, rehabilitation programmes and staffing at treatment facilities. He said this comprehensive approach is intended to ensure patients receive structured care, education and skills that enable them to contribute positively to society after treatment.
Currently, nine drug rehabilitation centres are in operation nationwide. During President Muizzu’s visits to the atolls towards the end of 2025, work also began on new rehabilitation facilities in Velidhoo in Noonu Atoll and in Laamu Atoll.
Officials say this decentralised strategy is designed to make treatment more accessible by allowing patients to receive care closer to home, reducing both travel costs and the need to journey to the capital, Malé. The centres are expected to cater to individuals undergoing court-mandated treatment, people living on the streets with substance addiction, and those who voluntarily seek help.
Rehabilitation programmes include a range of educational and vocational training initiatives aimed at long-term recovery.
The government has also pledged to intensify enforcement efforts against drug trafficking and says it is confident that these combined measures will begin to deliver measurable results within the year.