In a statement issued on the occasion of its 8th anniversary, NGO Journey has called for a national drug policy based on science instead of ideology.

Journey said that while many people do not pay much attention to drug addiction, it is an increasing problem in the Maldives and one that should not be ignored.

According to the National Drug Use Survey of 2012, journey said, the majority of drug users in the country are males aged between 16 and 40 years.

The report states that drug users spend around MVR 1.2 billion per year on drugs, while even money is spent on incarceration and treatment for drug offenders.

Journey also noted that health, safety, productivity and criminal justice costs are also on the rise.

Journey stressed the importance of introducing a drug policy that emphasises prevention, access to treatment, and support for early intervention.