MDP expresses concern over inactivity of National Drug Control Council
20 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 08:22The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed grave concern over the government's lack of a clear policy to combat drug abuse, noting that the National Drug Control Council has failed to convene. The opposition party further criticized th e current state of the National Drug Agency (NDA), describing it as being "in a coma" due to the absence of competent leadership and the deterioration of essential facilities within the treatment and rehabilitation system.
From the press conference held by the MDP. | Raajje MV
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concern over the inactivity of the National Drug Control Council (NDCC).
Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP’s Public Protection Committee, the committee’s chairperson, Mohamed Sobree, stated that the National Drug Control Council—the primary body responsible for overseeing the Drug Act—has become inactive. Sobree noted that the council’s failure to convene meetings and make necessary decisions has led to significant challenges in enforcing various legal mandates.
Sobree emphasized that having a clear policy is the most fundamental requirement, expressing deep concern that the current administration assumed office without a strategy to address the drug crisis—the most significant issue facing the Maldives. Furthermore, Sobree raised concerns regarding the National Drug Agency (NDA), stating that its performance has declined since being transferred from the Ministry of Health to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.
The decision to transfer the National Drug Agency from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Homeland Security early in this administration is a move we expressed concern over at the time. We are now seeing outcomes that do not align with our objectives and are increasingly inconsistent with the principles of the UN conventions to which we are signatories.Mohamed Sobree
Furthermore, Sobree highlighted that the CEO plays the most pivotal role in managing day-to-day operations, expressing concern over the absence of a CEO who meets the criteria established by the National Drug Agency (NDA) board. He also voiced concern regarding the current lack of a psychiatrist at the agency.
The standard procedure used by the institution to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and determine whether patients are responding to care typically involves routine urinalysis. However, over the past two and a half years, the facility failed to maintain even a six-month supply of the necessary testing materials. While the required stock has now been replenished, the diagnostic machinery essential for conducting these tests remains out of service.Mohamed Sobree
Sobree stated that the National Drug Agency (NDA) is currently in a deep coma and is in urgent need of treatment.
