Gang crimes have declined following initiatives launched by the current administration, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu asserted during the PSM News programme ‘Nation Chat’.
The narcotics crisis has persisted as a national issue for three decades, President Muizzu noted, explaining that while previous administrations attempted to address the challenge, desired outcomes remained unfulfilled. Full confidence remains that current robust governmental measures will yield visible results.
Efforts are underway to introduce legislative amendments to halt import and trade of illicit drugs while strengthening enforcement procedures, the president underscored. Work has commenced to expand rehabilitation systems to rescue individuals affected by addiction and reintegrate them into society, with treatment facilities established across various regions.
The administration centres its primary policy on protecting young people from addiction and developing them into constructive citizens rather than subjecting them to punitive measures, President Muizzu explained. Multiple initiatives are carried out with cooperation from the public, civil society organisations, state institutions, and the judiciary.
"The work will progress most effectively once current initiatives are completed," President Muizzu remarked. "A substantial amount of work is being carried out simultaneously. Positive results can be achieved in eradicating the scourge of narcotics. This is an endeavour that can move forward through the joint collaboration of public, civil society organisations, and state institutions, alongside the cooperation of the judiciary. And the results of these efforts are already becoming evident."
Strengthened judicial processes have led statistical data to indicate that gang-related offences are decreasing, the president observed.