Drugs, deaths and tripping in the Maldives
The Maldives Independent is exploring the country’s party drug culture through interviews with users aged 16 to 25 and people who know them.
01 Dec 2017, 9:00 AM
The sudden death of two youths in September sparked debate in the Maldives after it was revealed they had taken drugs with energy drinks. Friends who were with them at the time were charged with attempted suicide and encouraging suicide. Many were incredulous of the charges while others highlighted the lack of awareness about drug use in the Maldives. The media has stigmatized drug use and police have downplayed the availability, consumption and prevalence of drugs in the country.
The Maldives Independent is exploring the country’s party drug culture through interviews with users aged 16 to 25 and people who know them.
“We used to have parties at a friends house and I would take MDMA,” says 20-year old Suha Ali*, who started taking drugs aged 16 with her peers. “The next thing I tried was acid and I think for me acid wasn’t like a fun thing. It was more like an experience, so I didn’t do it iraalan (to party till you peak). It’s always a soul-searching thing.”
MDMA and LSD are the most commonly taken drugs among young people in the Maldives, but meth and cocaine are sometimes thrown into the mix. An acid tab or a gram of MDMA can be purchased for less than $65 and are used at house parties, concerts and festivals.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
