UNODC Hands Over Drug Testing Kits to Maldives Law Enforcement

Drug testing kits donated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime have been formally handed over to the Maldives Customs Service and the Maldives Police Service.

The kits were initially provided to the National Drug Agency in January, with a ceremony held to mark their transfer to the relevant enforcement authorities.

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Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Agency, Mohamed Rashid, highlighted the increasing prevalence of synthetic, factory-produced drugs and noted the need for rehabilitation methods to evolve in response. He indicated that a global shortage of specialised treatment programmes for synthetic drug addiction remains a challenge, requiring the Maldives to adopt innovative approaches.

He noted that individuals requiring treatment are currently accommodated at the Himmafushi centre, where cognitive behavioural interventions have shown encouraging outcomes, and added that efforts are underway to establish a more effective and streamlined treatment pathway.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikury stated that synthetic drugs pose a significant threat and described the initiative as an important step in strengthening technical training and operational capacity within law enforcement.

Deputy Commissioner of Customs Ibrahim Mafaz reiterated that enforcement remains a priority, with enhanced screening and surveillance at air and sea ports. He noted that close collaboration among authorities has resulted in the seizure of 86 kilogrammes of narcotics so far this year, representing an increase compared to the same period last year.

The donation includes 30 drug identification kits, 30 precursor chemical kits and 180 portable chemical testing kits, along with five USB drives containing instructional training materials. Of these, Maldives Customs Service has received 20 drug and precursor kits and 60 portable kits, while Maldives Police Service has been allocated 40 drug and precursor kits and 120 portable kits.

According to the National Drug Agency, each kit is capable of conducting up to 500 individual tests and is designed to deliver rapid and highly accurate results suitable for use as forensic evidence. The kits are also capable of detecting ten types of illicit substances commonly smuggled into the Maldives.