Himmafushi rehab runs out of space; 24 eligible for treatment sent to prison

The Drug Court has ruled to send 24 people eligible for treatment to jail, as the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Himmafushi is filled to capacity for the first round.

A senior official of the Drug Court said that the court had been informed by the National Drug Agency that the rehab in Himmafushi had run out of space.

Under the Drug Act, the Drug Court has the power to sentence people who are eligible for treatment for drug use to prison, in the event that the court believes that rehab centres are unable to facilitate treatment.

The Drug Court official said that in accordance with the Drug Act, the 24 people were sent to prison for 90 days or until treatment becomes possible, and the court will make a decision if treatment does not become possible within 90 days.