The New Commissioner of Police, Ismail Naveen has revealed plans to refine the way investigations are conducted into drug related cases in the Maldives amid intensified efforts to combat the drug epidemic in the Maldives.
In his first media interview since his appointment as the country’s new Police Chief, Naveen told PSM News that the long standing drug problem had persisted despite past efforts by successive governments and remains one of the biggest social issues plaguing the Maldivian society at present.
Armed with the recent amendments to the anti-drug laws, Naveen revealed plans to tweak investigation procedures to pave the way for more convictions in drug cases.
"We have done a lot of work in the past. And we have seized a lot of drugs. But we will definitely change our investigation procedures. We will strengthen our investigations to trace drug money,” he explained.
“We’re already working on it. The work of bringing in experts from abroad and retraining the experienced personnel required to conduct such financial analysis is underway.”
The Commissioner also stressed on the importance of all relevant agencies working together to curtail the drug epidemic, adding that the main aim should be to reduce the demand for drugs and rehabilitate drug users.
Highlighting the increase of drugs being smuggled into Maldives, Naveen said efforts have been launched in collaboration with regional countries to prevent drug traffickers.
He said such collaborations have been established with neighbouring India and Sri Lanka while discussions will be held with Malaysia and Thailand in the future.