A delegation comprising judges and staff from the Drug Court recently concluded a week-long study tour in Perth, Australia, aimed at enhancing their understanding of drug rehabilitation programs. The study tour, organized by the Maldives Judicial Academy with the assistance of Australia Awards, took place from 13th to 20th May 2023.

Led by Chief Judge Abdul Sattar Abdul Hameed, the delegation included Judges Mohamed Naeem, Adam Arif, Mohamed Sameer, and Registrar Hassan Zareer, along with Legal Officers Fathimath Thaufeeq and Mohamed Saleem. The participants engaged in a series of insightful visits and meetings to observe and learn from the drug rehabilitation practices in Perth.

During their time in Perth, the delegation had the opportunity to visit Perth's Drug Court, which served as a crucial part of their study. The visit allowed them to observe the court's assessment procedures for drug offenders and gain insights into the process of admitting individuals into rehabilitation programs.

The delegation met with several key figures involved in drug rehabilitation, including the Drug Court Police Prosecutor and Duty Prosecutor, as well as officers from the Court and Treatment Services (CAT). These interactions provided valuable knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of these professionals in the Drug Court Treatment Program.

Additionally, the participants visited various rehabilitation facilities in Perth, including the Rick Hammersley Centre Therapeutic Community, The Salvation Army Harry Hunters Rehabilitation Centre, and the Next Step Detox facility. These visits allowed the delegation to observe firsthand the approaches, facilities, and support systems available for individuals undergoing drug rehabilitation.

As part of their comprehensive study, the delegation also engaged with representatives from the Western Australia Police (WAPOL). In a fruitful discussion, they explored the role of the police in drug diversion programs, highlighting the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in addressing drug-related issues.

The study tour concluded on 20th May 2023, and the delegation returned to Male', the capital of the Maldives, the following day. Chief Judge Abdul expressed his gratitude to the Maldives Judicial Academy and Australia Awards for organizing this valuable study tour, which is expected to contribute significantly to the development and improvement of drug rehabilitation programs in the Maldives.

The knowledge and insights gained during the tour are anticipated to enhance the effectiveness of the Maldives Drug Court and its ability to address the challenges associated with drug offenses. By adopting best practices observed in Perth, the Maldives aims to provide better support and rehabilitation opportunities for individuals struggling with drug addiction while ensuring a fair and just legal process.