Anti-drugs NGO launches hotline

Drug rehabilitation NGO Journey has launched a 24-hour support hotline for drug addicts seeking recovery.

Journey will offer assistance with rehabilitation and house calls to parents or spouses who reach out for help with loved ones struggling with addiction, a Journey official told Raajje.mv.

The Malé-based NGO, which has been active since 2005, is also broadening its activities to assist youth battling with addiction and withdrawal.

The hotline 7995075 will also be available on Viber.

Heroin and hashish oil are the most commonly used drugs in the Maldives, but other drugs such as LSD, ecstasy, and synthetic drugs have been found in recent years.

According to a 2012 UN report, there are 7,496 drug addicts in the Maldives. However, critics say the real figure is likely to be much higher.