Drug Abuse in the Global Village
Drug Abuse in Asia
Maldives

EXTENT, PATTERNS AND TRENDS IN DRUG ABUSE

Extent of Drug Abuse

Cannabis, mainly in the form of oil, is reported the most abused drug, followed by benzodiazepines, mainly diazepam and nitrazepam. Heroin is reported abused but to a limited extent. In 1993, it was estimated that there were several thousand drug abusers in the capital, Male (Maldives 1993).

Abuser Characteristics

The abuse of cannabis is reported most prevalent in the 20 to 29 age group. Most cannabis abusers are unemployed (U.N. 1987).

Regional Variations

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

Trends

The abuse of illicit drugs and the illicit use of prescribed drugs is reported to have been introduced by tourists soon after tourism was established in the country. In 1977, two Maldivians were remanded for abuse of cannabis. The trend of increasing incidence of drug abuse by Maldivian youth became more pronounced during the 1980s with increasing number of students returning from abroad (Maldives 1993).

Mode of intake

Cannabis is reported smoked (U.N. 1987).

COSTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF ABUSE

No information reported in Annual Reports Questionnaire by 31st December 1993.

ACTION TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL TREATIES*

Treaty adherence

Maldives is not Party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances or the 1988 Convention on the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

NATIONAL RESPONSES TO DRUG ABUSE

National Strategy

Since 1986, the Committee for the Prevention of Drug Abuse has been functioning within the Ministry of Health and Welfare as the focal point for national strategies and actions (Maldives 1993).

DEMAND REDUCTION ACTIVITIES

Primary Prevention

The Committee for the Prevention of Drug Abuse, in collaboration with the local media provides information and education for the prevention of drug abuse to increase public awareness in this area (Maldives 1993).

Treatment and Rehabilitation

No information is reported by 31st December 1993.


SUPPLY REDUCTION ACTIVITIES

Arrests, Convictions and types of Offences

Between 1982 and 1992, a total of 170 Maldivians and 81 foreigners are reported to have been involved in narcotic offences. While the number of foreigners involved has been decreasing steadily during this period (28 in 1982, 14 in 1985, 0 in 1989 and 1 in 1992), that of Maldivians has been increasing to reach a record of 75 in 1992 (1 in 1982, 15 in 1985, 23 in 1991) (Maldives 1993).

Seizures

Most seizures reported carried out in Maldives involve cannabis. Between 1982 and 1992 a total of approximately 2.5 kg of herbal cannabis and 11 kg of cannabis resin have been seized as well as cannabis oil and seeds. Other seized drugs reported are heroin (12.5 kg in 1984 and 509 grams in 1993), opium (totalling approximately 1.2 kg between 1982 and 1992), psilocybe mushrooms (18 grams in 1982, 0.5 grams in 1984) and amphetamine salts (0.5 grams in 1983) (Maldives 1993).

Supply Sources of Drugs

A major proportion of the seized drugs are reported to originate from or was in transit through India or Sri Lanka, by air or cargo ships. Small scale cultivation of cannabis for personal use is reported. Benzodiazepines are reported obtained from pharmacies without prescription both in Maldives and abroad (Maldives 1993).

References and Notes

* The Legal, Administrative and Other Action Taken to Implement the International Drug Control Treaties section was prepared by the Secretariat of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs based on Annual Reports Questionnaires for the years .... (not yet received from CND)

Reference for general background ......

Maldives 1993. Country Paper of Maldives to the Workshop of National Focal Points on Drug Abuse Demand Reduction: Golden Crescent Countries. Bangkok, Thailand, August 16-20 1993.

U.N. 1987. Reply to the UNDCP Annual Reports Questionnaire for the year 1987.