Waiting list for CNMI drug recovery service

11:24 am on 15 September 2017

The drug court in the Northern Marianas has reached its maximum capacity, highlighting the success of the programme.

CNMI Legislature 16:10

CNMI Legislature Photo: Supplied

There's currently 24 participants with 12 more on the waiting list for the drug recovery service.

The specialised drug court was established to deal with the scourge of methamphetamine in the territory.

The court incorporates drug dependency treatment with intensive court supervision, focussing on people with a history of drug abuse and drug-related crime offenders.

Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio, who is in charge of the drug court, said people involved with the programme took part in activities that, step by step, led them to long-term recovery and gave them the chance of starting a new life without drugs.

She said it took roughly $US7000 to fully treat each participant.

Aside from the funding granted to the drug court by the government, participants of the programme are also required to pay a total of $US540 once they are employed, with the programme also helping them find a job.

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