President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the administration’s decision to develop a drug offender remand centre in Gulhifalhu Island in Malé Atoll.

President Solih made the remarks, speaking at the function held this morning to officially inaugurate Open Day 2019 organised by the National Drug Agency (NDA).

The centre is being developed as stipulated in the Drug Act to motivate drug-dependent persons to treatment and rehabilitation programmes and facilitate their reintegration into the community as responsible citizens.

He revealed that the administration was in the process of proposing progressive amendments to drug laws, which he hoped to submit to Parliament later this year.

Speaking in this regard, the President highlighted the challenges of providing proper treatment for juvenile drug abuse and delinquency; something which required special attention and dedicated remand and rehabilitation centres.

He announced that work to establish such a centre will commence later this year, along with training of personnel who will provide the necessary training and education to allow for successful reintegration into society.