32 inmates who completed rehab reintegrated into society

The 32 inmates who completed the first prison-based drug rehab program by Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) have returned to their families.

The rehab program was conducted at the Maafushi Prison.

The inmates who completed the program were reintegrated into society on Friday.

MCS said the inmates were granted conditional parole, and will be monitored for a one-year period.

In a tweet on Saturday, Home Minister Imran Abdulla described the reintegration of the inmates as a key step in efforts to save the Maldivian community from the scourge of drugs.

MCS launched the drug rehabilitation program in February 2022 to provide detoxification and substance abuse treatment, training, and vocational education to drug offenders.

Maldives has a growing drug problem, with 70 percent of inmates convicted of drug-related offenses.