President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a comprehensive strategy to tackle the drug crisis while strengthening youth empowerment, describing it as essential to national peace, stability, and public safety.

He said addressing organised crime and gang activity – closely linked to drug trafficking – is critical to national security, noting a decline in gang-related activity following recent legislative measures. The President added that the Government is committed to supporting young people seeking to disengage from such environments and reintegrate into society.

Outlining enforcement efforts, the President said drugs seized over the past two years have a combined street value of MVR 2.3 billion, the highest recorded during the first two years of any administration over the past three terms.

Emphasising rehabilitation, he said strengthening treatment and reintegration systems remains a priority. Comprehensive Islamic education will be formally incorporated into rehabilitation programmes, with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs set to begin the Risaalath programme from May.

The President also announced plans to establish a rehabilitation-focused island based on the Open Prison Island concept—the first of its kind in the Maldives. The project has been mandated to the Maldives Correctional Service, with infrastructure development expected to begin by mid-year and inmate transfers planned before year-end.

Turning to youth empowerment, the President said protecting young people from drugs, violence, and crime is a fundamental responsibility of the State. He highlighted the Dhivehi National Movement Training Programme, noting that 344 participants graduated from its first batch in December 2025, with a second batch currently under way.

Additional initiatives outlined include the establishment of Youth Hubs, expansion of technical and vocational training, the convening of a National Youth Conference, the creation of a Youth Parliament, and continued reintegration and religious awareness programmes to prevent criminal involvement and counter extremism.