President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed optimism that new bills submitted to the Parliament on drugs and gang-related crimes will effectively address the challenges faced by the Maldives in these two areas.
Speaking to ADh. Mahibadhoo residents as part of his ongoing tour of some islands of the atoll, President Muizzu said it would not be an easy task to tackle the drug problem rooted in the country. He noted that people do not develop drug habits deliberately, and acknowledged the deep desire by families to save their family members from drug clutches.
The president further said it is crucial to save the upcoming generations from drugs, in order to lead the country in a positive direction. He emphasized the need to adopt a more enhanced system to tackle the issue at hand.
‘We do have existing laws, but the truth is there are several loopholes which restrict us [from tackling drugs issues] in the standard and speed that we wish. This is why we have submitted a new bill to the Parliament,’ the president explained.
The president highlighted the link between drug use and other serious crimes such as gang-related crimes. Although there is a law already in existence on gang-related crimes, it cannot effectively address the issue in its current state, the president said.
While a bill on gang-related crimes has also been submitted to the Parliament, the president said the bills will be passed in the upcoming Parliament session. Once ratified and in implementation, the new laws will bring about a good solution to the issue, he added.
The president reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling drug issues and saving the country’s youth and pledged to punish those involved in drugs with the intent to commit crimes.
