MALDIVES: INPUT FOR INCSR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 002095 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR INL AND SA/INS; JUSTICE FOR OIA, AFMLS, AND NDDS; TREASURY FOR FINCEN; DEA FOR OILS AND OFFICE OF DIVERSION CONTROL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR MV SUBJECT: MALDIVES: INPUT FOR INCSR REF: STATE 209558 ¶1. The information in this cable is keyed to Reftel. ¶2. (Part I) Summary. Maldives is not a producer of narcotics or precursor chemicals. The Maldivian government and the U.S. maintain a good working relationship on counternarcotics issues. Officials estimate that in 2005, upwards of ten percent of the population abuses drugs. The U.S. government has assisted the Maldives in counternarcotics activities, including via direct training and through the Colombo Plan. In October 2004, the president set up the National Narcotics Control Bureau (NNCB),mandated to coordinate all anti-drug efforts. In September 2005, the Maldivian government initiated a project to have 80 people earn advanced diplomas in anti-narcotics fields. There is no evidence to suggest that Maldives is a significant transshipment point for narcotics or that Maldives produces or cultivates narcotics. ¶3. (Part II) Status of Country. Maldives is not a producer of narcotics or precursor chemicals. Officials believe that all narcotics trafficked into Maldives is probably for local use, not for transshipment. The Republic of Maldives consists of approximately 1,100 islands set in the Indian Ocean, and has a population of approximately 270,000. Both law enforcement officials and anecdotal evidence suggest that drug addiction has become a major problem in Maldives. Maldivian authorities believe that the drug problem is at the root of most crime in the society. The Maldivian government and the U.S. maintain a good working relationship on counternarcotics issues. ¶4. (Part II continued). The Maldivian government is very sensitive to the illicit drug issue and is taking steps to address the problem. The government conducted a Rapid Situation Assessment of drug abuse, performed in Maldives in 2003 and published in 2004. The study was possible because changes to the narcotics law in 2002 enabled officials to speak with drug abusers without being required to report them. In line with government officials' assumptions, the study found that the majority of drug abusers are in the 18-35 year old category. In 2005, officials estimate that upwards of ten percent of the population abuses drugs. In the past, the late-teen onset of drug abuse coincided with �0A;completion of secondary education and the lack of sufficient employment opportunities for the growing population of young adults. However, UNICEF officers reported that the average age at first use has now dropped to 12. In recent years, drug abuse has shifted from cannabis to "brown sugar" heroin. UNICEF officers expressed concern that the method of heroin consumption may shift from smoking to injection. ¶5. (Part III. 23.2) Policy Initiatives. In September 2004, the Police Department split from the National Security Service, and the police are responsible for narcotics law enforcement. The Department now has a Narcotics Control Unit staffed by 50 officers. In addition, in October 2004, the president set up a National Narcotics Control Bureau (NNCB), mandated to coordinate anti-drug efforts, promote demand reduction, carry out public education campaigns, and conduct rehabilitation programs. ¶6. (Part III. 23.2.a) Accomplishments. In August 2005, Deputy Gender and Family Minister Dr. Abdulla Waheed was appointed as the head of the NNCB. In addition, in September 2005, the government initiated a project to have 80 people earn advanced diplomas or Master's degrees in anti-narcotics fields within five years. The NNCB plans to have these practitioners work in atolls where drug addiction rates are high. At present, Maldives has a 150-bed treatment center for both voluntary and involuntary patients in Himmafushi; a new 200-bed wing at this facility should become operational soon, while an additional 100-bed facility in Addu is expected to open by the end of the year. The NNCB employs expatriate healthcare professionals, such as child psychologists, to work at the center. The courts order a large number of addicts to go into rehabilitation, inundating the small facility. At times, the waiting list for the center exceeds the number receiving treatment. ¶7. (Part III.23.3.a) Law Enforcement Efforts. Officials state that the large number of incoming foreign workers, mainly South Asians, is one source of drug trafficking. Between two to three kilograms of heroin are detected being trafficked into Maldives annually. Since only small quantities of narcotics are usually trafficked, detection is difficult. There is no evidence at this time suggesting that the Maldives is a significant transshipment point for narcotics. As the country has a large amount of commerce and traffic via the sea, officials believe, however, that most drugs enter the country via small commercial vessels. Police plan to engage vessel operators in deterrence efforts. ¶8. (Part III 23.4.a) Corruption. The government of the Maldives did not, as a matter of policy, encourage or facilitate the illicit production or distribution of any controlled substances or the laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions. There were no reports that any senior official engaged in such activity or encouragement thereof. There were no INL-funded aircraft or equipment in country. ¶9. (Part III 23.5) Agreements and Treaties. The Republic of the Maldives has no extradition treaty with the United States. In 1994, however, the Maldives cooperated with the U.S. in rendering a Nigerian national to the United States to face narcotics trafficking charges. The Maldivian government is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention. ¶10. (Part III 23.6) Cultivation/Production. There is no evidence that illicit drugs are cultivated or produced in Maldives. ¶11. (Part III 23.7) Drug Flow/Transit. There is no evidence at this time suggesting that the Maldives is a significant transshipment point for narcotics. As the country has a large amount of commerce and traffic via the sea, officials believe, however, that most drugs enter the country via small commercial vessels. ¶12. (Part IV 24.2) Bilateral Cooperation. The US has assisted the Maldives in counternarcotics activities, including via direct training and through the Colombo Plan. In 2005, the Colombo Plan conducted a U.S.-funded regional training program in Maldives for public health practitioners. Previous U.S. government funding to the Maldivian government in 1993 created a computerized immigration record-keeping system, in part to track the movements of alleged drug traffickers. The US followed up with additional funding in 1996 to enhance the system. ¶13. (Part IV 24.2 continued) Road Ahead. The U.S. government intends to maintain its commitment to aiding the Maldivian government in combating drug abuse. The U.S. expects to continue its support of the Colombo Plan. LUNSTEAD