The Government expects to begin providing drug rehabilitation services from the new Noonu Velidhoo Drug Rehabilitation Centre by the end of this year, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Agency (NDA) Mohamed Rashid has said.

Speaking on MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme, Rashid said work is underway to complete the facility and recruit the staff needed to begin operations before the end of the year. He added that the centre forms part of the Government's plan to establish drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities in different parts of the country.

Rashid said the current Administration inherited rehabilitation facilities with a combined capacity of around 180 patients, noting that expanding treatment services remains a priority. In addition to the Velidhoo facility, the Government aims to complete drug rehabilitation centres in Kaafu Kaashidhoo and Laamu Gan by 2027.

Addressing allegations that drugs have been smuggled into rehabilitation facilities, Rashid said the Himmafushi Drug Rehabilitation Centre previously faced such challenges despite strict rules prohibiting the possession of drugs within treatment centres. He said the current focus is on strengthening enforcement measures to prevent drugs from entering the facility and ensure rehabilitation programmes are carried out in a safe and controlled environment.

Rashid added that bringing drugs into a rehabilitation centre is a serious offence under the law and said the NDA is working to reinforce compliance with existing regulations while improving the overall effectiveness of rehabilitation services.