The World Happiness report 2023 released by the United Nations has European countries dominating the top 10 spots. Finland has been marked the happiest country in the world six years in a row. New Zealand and Israel are the only non-European countries that finds places in top 10, otherwise, it's Europe all the way.

Here are 10 happiest countries in world according to the report:

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Israel

5. Netherlands

6. Sweden

7. Norway

8. Switzerland

9. Luxembourg

10. New Zealand

Interestingly however, Europe has also reported a massive increase in the use of anti-depressant drugs. As per data released by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, use of anti-depressant drugs in Europe has grown by more than two times between 2000 and 2020. In this respect, Iceland is at the top spot. It is third happiest country according to the Wold Happiness Report 2023.

Iceland is immediately followed by Sweden and Norway when it comes to increased use of anti-depressants. These two countries are at sixth and seventh spots in the happiness report. Finland and Denmark are at number eight and nine.

These are top two countries in the happiness report.

Increased use of anti-depressants cannot always be directly associated with drug abuse as it may also mean that more people are getting treatment for mental health issues.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The World Happiness report 2023 released by the United Nations has European countries dominating the top 10 spots. Finland has been marked the happiest country in the world six years in a row.

The World Happiness report 2023 released by the United Nations has European countries dominating the top 10 spots. Finland has been marked the happiest country in the world six years in a row. New Zealand and Israel are the only non-European countries that finds places in top 10, otherwise, it's Europe all the way. Here are 10 happiest countries in world according to the report: 1. Finland 2. Denmark 3. Iceland 4. Israel 5. Netherlands 6. Sweden 7. Norway 8. Switzerland 9. Luxembourg 10. New Zealand Interestingly however, Europe has also reported a massive increase in the use of anti-depressant drugs. As per data released by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, use of anti-depressant drugs in Europe has grown by more than two times between 2000 and 2020. In this respect, Iceland is at the top spot. It is third happiest country according to the Wold Happiness Report 2023. Iceland is immediately followed by Sweden and Norway when it comes to increased use of anti-depressants. These two countries are at sixth and seventh spots in the happiness report. Finland and Denmark are at number eight and nine. These are top two countries in the happiness report. Increased use of anti-depressants cannot always be directly associated with drug abuse as it may also mean that more people are getting treatment for mental health issues. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Countries high on happiness index also report increased drug use

While the world is trying to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Boris Johnson’s government is preparing to fight against the raging drug problem.<o:p></o:p>

On Monday, UK home secretary Priti Patel labelled the increasing drugs problem as a "scourge on our society". So, in a bid to make sure that the problem can be eradicated, the UK government has decided to come up with a plan against drug crime.<o:p></o:p>

The UK government has come up with a 10-year plan against the increasing drug crime, through which they hope to take on kingpins.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/india-news/massive-drug-haul-indian-authorities-reveal-how-heroin-worth-27-bn-was-busted-on-way-from-afghanistan-414687">Massive drug haul: Indian authorities reveal how heroin worth $2.7 bn was busted on way from Afghanistan</a></o:p>

As per the new plan, government officials will start publishing 'crime scorecards'&nbsp;that have been designed to identify and tackle the weaknesses and offences. <o:p></o:p>

In addition to this, drug testing will be expanded throughout the country. To make sure that students are warned against drug usage from the start, the government will also be launching advertising campaigns. Posters warning students about the harm that drugs cause to the body will be posted across campuses.<o:p></o:p>

One of the most interesting steps being taken is that the government will be sending a text message to middle-class drug users. In this, the police will start contacting the people whose names are found on the phones of drug dealers. The police officers will then start sending warning messages to these users, as per Daily Mail report.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wrong-identification-of-tea-as-drugs-forces-mother-daughter-to-spend-months-in-australian-jail-430537">Wrong identification of tea as drugs forces mother, daughter to spend months in Australian jail</a></o:p>

Repeat offenders might also be out on home curfew, as per Home Secretary Priti Patel. In addition to this, officials will also be allowed to seize driving licenses and passports of offenders.

"Drugs are a major driver of crime. Abusers steal to fuel their habit and the substances are a major factor in murder and other violent offences," she said.

<o:p>On Monday, Boris Johnson confirmed that his government will be directing 300 million pounds&nbsp;($398 million approx.) to this cause. Through this programme, the British government is aiming to help 300,000 "problem drug users", who account for about half of burglaries, robberies, thefts and murders, Johnson claims.</o:p>

"You've got to recognise that, overwhelmingly, the problem is caused by 300,000 people whose lives are simply chaotic, who are who are torn apart by their own addiction," Johnson said. "But you've also got to come down hard on the gangsters who are who are making hell of people's lives."

While the world is trying to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Boris Johnson’s government is preparing to fight against the raging drug problem. On Monday, UK home secretary Priti Patel labelled the increasing drugs problem as a "scourge on our society".

While the world is trying to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Boris Johnson’s government is preparing to fight against the raging drug problem. On Monday, UK home secretary Priti Patel labelled the increasing drugs problem as a "scourge on our society". So, in a bid to make sure that the problem can be eradicated, the UK government has decided to come up with a plan against drug crime. The UK government has come up with a 10-year plan against the increasing drug crime, through which they hope to take on kingpins. Also read | Massive drug haul: Indian authorities reveal how heroin worth $2.7 bn was busted on way from Afghanistan As per the new plan, government officials will start publishing 'crime scorecards' that have been designed to identify and tackle the weaknesses and offences. In addition to this, drug testing will be expanded throughout the country. To make sure that students are warned against drug usage from the start, the government will also be launching advertising campaigns. Posters warning students about the harm that drugs cause to the body will be posted across campuses. One of the most interesting steps being taken is that the government will be sending a text message to middle-class drug users. In this, the police will start contacting the people whose names are found on the phones of drug dealers. The police officers will then start sending warning messages to these users, as per Daily Mail report. Also read | Wrong identification of tea as drugs forces mother, daughter to spend months in Australian jail Repeat offenders might also be out on home curfew, as per Home Secretary Priti Patel. In addition to this, officials will also be allowed to seize driving licenses and passports of offenders. "Drugs are a major driver of crime. Abusers steal to fuel their habit and the substances are a major factor in murder and other violent offences," she said. On Monday, Boris Johnson confirmed that his government will be directing 300 million pounds ($398 million approx.) to this cause. Through this programme, the British government is aiming to help 300,000 "problem drug users", who account for about half of burglaries, robberies, thefts and murders, Johnson claims. "You've got to recognise that, overwhelmingly, the problem is caused by 300,000 people whose lives are simply chaotic, who are who are torn apart by their own addiction," Johnson said. "But you've also got to come down hard on the gangsters who are who are making hell of people's lives."

SMS, crime scorecards, passport seizure - UK takes strong stand against drug use

Norway's main opposition Labour Party on Friday rejected a government plan to decriminalise the personal use of drugs in small quantities, saying the measure could incite young people to experiment with narcotics.

Under the centre-right coalition government's proposal submitted in February, both the possession and use of small quantities of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis, would no longer have been punishable under the criminal code, but users would still have had to seek help.

The ruling party however needed backing from the opposition in parliament in order for the bill to be approved.

Although the Labour Party is in principal in favour of doing away with penalties for heavy drug users, it is against decriminalising drug use for the wider population.

Proponents of the bill argued that criminal prosecution of drug users can be counterproductive as it deters those with abuse problems from seeking help, makes it more difficult for relatives to detect problems and stigmatises an already vulnerable demographic.

Although the bill was rejected on Friday, negotiations could still lead to a different text decriminalising heavy drug use being adopted.

Despite having one of the highest living standards in Europe, Norway — and other Nordic countries — have seen higher numbers of drug-related deaths per capita than the rest of Europe.

In recent years, 260 people have died annually from a drug overdose in Norway, according to a report published last year by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Norway's main opposition Labour Party on Friday rejected a government plan to decriminalise the personal use of drugs in small quantities, saying the measure could incite young people to experiment with narcotics.

Norway's main opposition Labour Party on Friday rejected a government plan to decriminalise the personal use of drugs in small quantities, saying the measure could incite young people to experiment with narcotics. Under the centre-right coalition government's proposal submitted in February, both the possession and use of small quantities of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis, would no longer have been punishable under the criminal code, but users would still have had to seek help. The ruling party however needed backing from the opposition in parliament in order for the bill to be approved. Although the Labour Party is in principal in favour of doing away with penalties for heavy drug users, it is against decriminalising drug use for the wider population. Proponents of the bill argued that criminal prosecution of drug users can be counterproductive as it deters those with abuse problems from seeking help, makes it more difficult for relatives to detect problems and stigmatises an already vulnerable demographic. Although the bill was rejected on Friday, negotiations could still lead to a different text decriminalising heavy drug use being adopted. Despite having one of the highest living standards in Europe, Norway — and other Nordic countries — have seen higher numbers of drug-related deaths per capita than the rest of Europe. In recent years, 260 people have died annually from a drug overdose in Norway, according to a report published last year by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Norway opposition torpedoes plan to decriminalise drug use

Norway's government on Friday proposed a bill aimed at decriminalising the possession and use of small amounts of narcotics, saying users should be offered treatment rather than face jail.

"Decades of repression have taught us that punishment doesn't work. On the contrary, punishment can make things worse," Education Minister Guri Melby told a press conference.

"Drug addicts need help, not punishment," she added.

Under the centre-right coalition government's proposal, both possession and the use of small quantities of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis, would no longer be punishable under the criminal code, but users would still have to seek help.

"They are still forbidden, but no longer punishable," Health Minister Bent Hoie said.

Proponents of the bill argue that criminal prosecution of drug users can be counterproductive as it deters those with abuse problems from seeking help, makes it more difficult for relatives to detect problems and stigmatises an already vulnerable demographic.

The proposal comes with set thresholds for what should be considered a small amount for different illicit substances: two grams for cocaine, heroin or amphetamines, 10 grams for cannabis and 500 grams (17.6 oz) for khat.

As the government only controls a minority in parliament, passing the legislation will require support from the opposition, with some arguing the measure could encourage drug use.&nbsp;

According to a survey published in early February by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, around five percent of respondents in Norway say they have used cannabis in the last 12 months, and one percent have tried psychotropic drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines.

Despite having one of the highest living standards in Europe, Norway -- and other Nordic countries -- have seen higher numbers of drug-related deaths per capita than the rest of Europe.

In recent years, 260 people have died annually from a drug overdose in Norway, according to a report published last year by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Norway's government on Friday proposed a bill aimed at decriminalising the possession and use of small amounts of narcotics, saying users should be offered treatment rather than face jail.

Norway's government on Friday proposed a bill aimed at decriminalising the possession and use of small amounts of narcotics, saying users should be offered treatment rather than face jail. "Decades of repression have taught us that punishment doesn't work. On the contrary, punishment can make things worse," Education Minister Guri Melby told a press conference. "Drug addicts need help, not punishment," she added. Under the centre-right coalition government's proposal, both possession and the use of small quantities of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis, would no longer be punishable under the criminal code, but users would still have to seek help. "They are still forbidden, but no longer punishable," Health Minister Bent Hoie said. Proponents of the bill argue that criminal prosecution of drug users can be counterproductive as it deters those with abuse problems from seeking help, makes it more difficult for relatives to detect problems and stigmatises an already vulnerable demographic. The proposal comes with set thresholds for what should be considered a small amount for different illicit substances: two grams for cocaine, heroin or amphetamines, 10 grams for cannabis and 500 grams (17.6 oz) for khat. As the government only controls a minority in parliament, passing the legislation will require support from the opposition, with some arguing the measure could encourage drug use. According to a survey published in early February by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, around five percent of respondents in Norway say they have used cannabis in the last 12 months, and one percent have tried psychotropic drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines. Despite having one of the highest living standards in Europe, Norway -- and other Nordic countries -- have seen higher numbers of drug-related deaths per capita than the rest of Europe. In recent years, 260 people have died annually from a drug overdose in Norway, according to a report published last year by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Norway seeks to decriminalise recreational drug use

As many as 46 lawmakers of the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-nepal-sri-lanka-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-276941">Nepal</a> Communist Party have registered a motion in Parliament urging the government to legalise the cultivation of marijuana and ban the import of alcohol.

The farming, production and trade of marijuana and cannabis are banned in Nepal since 1973.

The lawmakers claim that over 65 countries, including the US, Canada, and Germany who had led the movements for banning marijuana in the 1970s, have already legalised it.

Lawmaker Birodh Khatiwada, from Makawanpur district, proposed the motion, which got support from 45 others lawmakers of the party in the House of Representatives.

Makawanpur is one of the districts that produce the highest amount of marijuana illegally.

The lawmakers have argued that the legalisation can be economically beneficial for the country and would help improve people's standard of living.

"Marijuana has multiple uses. It also helps earn foreign currencies and produce medicines," Khatiwada said.

The government spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communications Technology Gokul Baskota said the government was yet to take any steps towards legalising it.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jay-z-goes-into-the-marijuana-business-234650">Jay-Z goes into the marijuana business</a>

As many as 46 lawmakers of the ruling Nepal Communist Party have registered a motion in Parliament urging the government to legalise the cultivation of marijuana and ban the import of alcohol.

As many as 46 lawmakers of the ruling Nepal Communist Party have registered a motion in Parliament urging the government to legalise the cultivation of marijuana and ban the import of alcohol. The farming, production and trade of marijuana and cannabis are banned in Nepal since 1973. The lawmakers claim that over 65 countries, including the US, Canada, and Germany who had led the movements for banning marijuana in the 1970s, have already legalised it. Lawmaker Birodh Khatiwada, from Makawanpur district, proposed the motion, which got support from 45 others lawmakers of the party in the House of Representatives. Makawanpur is one of the districts that produce the highest amount of marijuana illegally. The lawmakers have argued that the legalisation can be economically beneficial for the country and would help improve people's standard of living. "Marijuana has multiple uses. It also helps earn foreign currencies and produce medicines," Khatiwada said. The government spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communications Technology Gokul Baskota said the government was yet to take any steps towards legalising it. Also read: Jay-Z goes into the marijuana business

Legal marijuana in Nepal? 46 MPs put forward the demand to government

Around 11 people were killed and more than 300 treated in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bombings-rock-southern-philippines-over-a-dozen-injured-269594">Philippines</a> after drinking coconut wine, Reuters reported today.&nbsp;

The coconut wine, which is referred to as 'lambanog' wreaked havoc in two provinces south of Manila - Laguna and Quezon. Lambanog is consumed widely during holidays and celebrations.

Multiple people were admitted into hospitals after calls for the same came from Mayor Vener Munoz.

According to Munoz, two people who were in critical condition are now improving. He added that the wine was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jail-me-hang-me-philippines-duterte-firm-he-wont-answer-to-international-court-of-criminal-269397">locally made</a>.

Watch: A kilo of rice for plastic waste feeds hungry villagers in the Philippines

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-kilo-of-rice-for-plastic-waste-feeds-hungry-villagers-in-the-philippines-249247/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Department of Health is set to conduct blood tests and samples of leftover lambanog for further analysis.

"All had a sad history of lambanog ingestion... Some bought for leisure drinking and birthday party, while others were donated by local officials during their Christmas party", the department added.

Lambanog sales and production is common in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-floods-force-66000-from-homes-266698">the Philippines</a>, with additives being put into the drink regularly.

According to local authorities, many dead were at the time, celebrating at a Christmas party.

The country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously warned about the dangerous and prohibited use of methanol as an additive in home brews.

Last year, twenty-one people had died after consuming the drink.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 11 people were killed and more than 300 treated in the Philippines after drinking coconut wine, Reuters reported today. The coconut wine, which is referred to as 'lambanog' wreaked havoc in two provinces south of Manila - Laguna and Quezon.

Around 11 people were killed and more than 300 treated in the Philippines after drinking coconut wine, Reuters reported today. The coconut wine, which is referred to as 'lambanog' wreaked havoc in two provinces south of Manila - Laguna and Quezon. Lambanog is consumed widely during holidays and celebrations. Multiple people were admitted into hospitals after calls for the same came from Mayor Vener Munoz. According to Munoz, two people who were in critical condition are now improving. He added that the wine was locally made. Watch: A kilo of rice for plastic waste feeds hungry villagers in the Philippines The Department of Health is set to conduct blood tests and samples of leftover lambanog for further analysis. "All had a sad history of lambanog ingestion... Some bought for leisure drinking and birthday party, while others were donated by local officials during their Christmas party", the department added. Lambanog sales and production is common in the Philippines, with additives being put into the drink regularly. According to local authorities, many dead were at the time, celebrating at a Christmas party. The country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously warned about the dangerous and prohibited use of methanol as an additive in home brews. Last year, twenty-one people had died after consuming the drink. (With inputs from agencies)

Eleven dead after coconut wine poisoning in two provinces of Philippines

The Maldives &ndash; a small island nation in the Indian Ocean - is being used as a transshipment destination in the illicit drug trade, says the Maldives Police Service.

&ldquo;It is a popular transshipment destination in the illicit drug trade. Drug trades between countries for example like US and Thailand, Maldives becomes the transshipment destination. The narcotics that are being targeted to the Asian countries like Thailand and Philippines are transited in the Maldives and then transported or smuggled to those countries. These drugs normally come from western countries or somewhere from the US sometimes it&rsquo;s from Bolivia or some other country.&rdquo; Aminath Suzee, Deputy Head of Drug Enforcement Department, at the Maldives Police Service told me.

The drug problem is one of the most alarming issues in the Maldives with a population of fewer than 350000 people out of which more than 45% are youth. According to the first National Drug Use Survey in the Maldives released in 2013, there were an estimated 7,500 drug users in the Maldives. Majority of them were young people in the age group of 15-24.

Though the Maldives is neither a drug producing nor a cultivating country, the availability of drugs in the country does not seem to be limited at all.

Journey is an NGO formed by a group of Maldivian who are recovering addicts with a mission to help other addicts. They are working towards raising public awareness on drug addiction and its related issues. Ahmed Nazim, the chairperson of Journey, said that the availability of drugs is not the only reason for drug use, but it does play a role in the drug crisis.

&ldquo;Cigarettes are also available in the country, but there are non-smokers more than smokers. So we can&rsquo;t say the availability is the reason why people use drugs, but it is one factor, the availability of drugs in the country. If it has not been available nobody will be using drugs, but it is easily available here,&rdquo; he said.

Last year in August, Home Minister Azleen Ahmed said, 57 kilograms of drugs has been seized in in 2016, while 26 kilograms of drugs has been seized till then in 2017.

Beginning of the drug crisis

Drug crisis of the Maldives started with the country&rsquo;s increased exposure to the outside world. Drug-related issues have not been identified as a problem before the mid-1970s. It was said that the appearance of drug abuse in its present form seems to have coincided with the development of tourism industry in the early 1970s. However, there is no solid evidence to correlate this, since the period also witnessed many other changes, including global escalation of drug abuse and increased overseas travel by Maldivians.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), official recognition of the drug problem in the Maldives came in 1977 when a person was arrested with 350 grams of hashish. As a result, the first principal legislative act of the Maldives dealing with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (The Law on Drugs) was passed the same year in order to help the legal system to deal with it and to act as a deterrent. According to UNODC drugs like heroin and cocaine was introduced to the Maldives in the early 1990s.

Strategic location and its vulnerability

Despite being a small island nation, the Maldives enjoys a strategic location along with key shipping routes. It&rsquo;s a blessing to be a country like the Maldives which is highly dependent on the imports from other countries but, unfortunately, the goods came with the bad. According to the police, the geographic location of the Maldives does have an impact when it comes to drug smuggling.

&ldquo;Since Maldives is geographically located in an important area in terms of trade routes, this has a huge impact on drug smuggling. Plays a huge role in the increase amount of drug smuggling into the Maldives. Most of the drugs are smuggled from the neighboring countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka via air and sea,&rdquo; Suzee said.

The Maldives is situated not too far from the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent; Asia&rsquo;s two main illicit opium-producing areas. While Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia comprises of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, the Golden Crescent in South Asia comprises of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.

Moreover, hundreds of tourists arrive at the Maldives on a daily basis from across the globe, including Asia, Europe and other western countries. The exposure and the location do not only make it easy to smuggle drugs into the Maldives, but also make the country at risk of being used as a transshipment destination in the illicit drug trade.

Actions being taken for prevention

&ldquo;The Maldives emphasizes the need to join forces, especially among international partners, to effectively counter the world drug problem. In line with this objective, Maldives is working with countries in its region to establish a regional coordination centre for South Asia through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation,&rdquo; said the Maldivian government official at the Thirtieth special session of United Nations General Assembly in 2016.

Maldives Police Service is also making efforts along with other authorities to combat the drug problem in the Maldives.

&ldquo;To prevent Maldives being used as a transshipment destination in illicit drug trade and to prevent smuggling narcotics into the Maldives, We are building our capacity of detection, we are strengthening security at the airports and seaports continuously and we are focusing on increasing human resource capacity by providing necessary trainings to the officers at the airports and seaports and our anti-drug policies are strengthened as well,&rdquo; Suzee said.

With tightened surveillance across the Maldives to eliminate smuggling and distribution of drugs, the Maldives police and border authorities have also started using K-9 dogs to detect drug smugglers. Yet more efforts are still needed to overcome the drug problem.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to the first National Drug Use Survey in the Maldives released in 2013, there were an estimated 7,500 drug users in the Maldives. Majority of them were young people in the age group of 15-24.

The Maldives – a small island nation in the Indian Ocean - is being used as a transshipment destination in the illicit drug trade, says the Maldives Police Service. “It is a popular transshipment destination in the illicit drug trade. Drug trades between countries for example like US and Thailand, Maldives becomes the transshipment destination. The narcotics that are being targeted to the Asian countries like Thailand and Philippines are transited in the Maldives and then transported or smuggled to those countries. These drugs normally come from western countries or somewhere from the US sometimes it’s from Bolivia or some other country.” Aminath Suzee, Deputy Head of Drug Enforcement Department, at the Maldives Police Service told me. The drug problem is one of the most alarming issues in the Maldives with a population of fewer than 350000 people out of which more than 45% are youth. According to the first National Drug Use Survey in the Maldives released in 2013, there were an estimated 7,500 drug users in the Maldives. Majority of them were young people in the age group of 15-24. Though the Maldives is neither a drug producing nor a cultivating country, the availability of drugs in the country does not seem to be limited at all. Journey is an NGO formed by a group of Maldivian who are recovering addicts with a mission to help other addicts. They are working towards raising public awareness on drug addiction and its related issues. Ahmed Nazim, the chairperson of Journey, said that the availability of drugs is not the only reason for drug use, but it does play a role in the drug crisis. “Cigarettes are also available in the country, but there are non-smokers more than smokers. So we can’t say the availability is the reason why people use drugs, but it is one factor, the availability of drugs in the country. If it has not been available nobody will be using drugs, but it is easily available here,” he said. Last year in August, Home Minister Azleen Ahmed said, 57 kilograms of drugs has been seized in in 2016, while 26 kilograms of drugs has been seized till then in 2017. Beginning of the drug crisis Drug crisis of the Maldives started with the country’s increased exposure to the outside world. Drug-related issues have not been identified as a problem before the mid-1970s. It was said that the appearance of drug abuse in its present form seems to have coincided with the development of tourism industry in the early 1970s. However, there is no solid evidence to correlate this, since the period also witnessed many other changes, including global escalation of drug abuse and increased overseas travel by Maldivians. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), official recognition of the drug problem in the Maldives came in 1977 when a person was arrested with 350 grams of hashish. As a result, the first principal legislative act of the Maldives dealing with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (The Law on Drugs) was passed the same year in order to help the legal system to deal with it and to act as a deterrent. According to UNODC drugs like heroin and cocaine was introduced to the Maldives in the early 1990s. Strategic location and its vulnerability Despite being a small island nation, the Maldives enjoys a strategic location along with key shipping routes. It’s a blessing to be a country like the Maldives which is highly dependent on the imports from other countries but, unfortunately, the goods came with the bad. According to the police, the geographic location of the Maldives does have an impact when it comes to drug smuggling. “Since Maldives is geographically located in an important area in terms of trade routes, this has a huge impact on drug smuggling. Plays a huge role in the increase amount of drug smuggling into the Maldives. Most of the drugs are smuggled from the neighboring countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka via air and sea,” Suzee said. The Maldives is situated not too far from the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent; Asia’s two main illicit opium-producing areas. While Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia comprises of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, the Golden Crescent in South Asia comprises of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. Moreover, hundreds of tourists arrive at the Maldives on a daily basis from across the globe, including Asia, Europe and other western countries. The exposure and the location do not only make it easy to smuggle drugs into the Maldives, but also make the country at risk of being used as a transshipment destination in the illicit drug trade. Actions being taken for prevention “The Maldives emphasizes the need to join forces, especially among international partners, to effectively counter the world drug problem. In line with this objective, Maldives is working with countries in its region to establish a regional coordination centre for South Asia through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation,” said the Maldivian government official at the Thirtieth special session of United Nations General Assembly in 2016. Maldives Police Service is also making efforts along with other authorities to combat the drug problem in the Maldives. “To prevent Maldives being used as a transshipment destination in illicit drug trade and to prevent smuggling narcotics into the Maldives, We are building our capacity of detection, we are strengthening security at the airports and seaports continuously and we are focusing on increasing human resource capacity by providing necessary trainings to the officers at the airports and seaports and our anti-drug policies are strengthened as well,” Suzee said. With tightened surveillance across the Maldives to eliminate smuggling and distribution of drugs, the Maldives police and border authorities have also started using K-9 dogs to detect drug smugglers. Yet more efforts are still needed to overcome the drug problem. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Maldives emerging as hub illicit drug trade

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