The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has donated drug testing equipment to the Maldives’ National Drug Agency (NDA) to help curb drug trafficking.
The handover took place at the Sea Tracs Building, with the kits presented by UNODC Regional Officer Kristian Hölge and received by NDA President, Ibrahim Mohamed.
The donation includes 30 drug test kits, 30 precursor chemical test kits and 180 pocket chemical test kits that can test for the 10 most common drugs trafficked into the Maldives. In addition, five USB drives containing training videos with instructions on how to use the test kits were also donated.
According to NDA, each test kit can conduct up to 500 tests and is designed to save time and provide accurate results, as well as serve as evidence.
NDA’s Board Member, Fathmath Azza said the equipment will strengthen the agency’s operations, while providing an opportunity to establish a safe society. The equipment also facilitate the strengthening of regional ties, through continuous training and information exchange, she said. She assured that the test kits will be utilised in the most beneficial way.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Kristian Hölge highlighted that global drug use is rising year by year. He noted that with changes in the way drugs are used and circulated, changes are necessary in the way authorities deal with drugs.
Hölge further noted that the use of synthetic drugs, especially amphetamine-type stimulants, is now dominating the market. He said they account for more than half of worldwide drug seizures, according to the World Drug Report.