President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Third Amendment to the Drugs Act, ushering in one of the most extensive reforms to the nation’s anti-narcotics framework since the law’s introduction in 2011. The Amendment, passed by the 20th People’s Majlis on 3 December 2025, establishes stronger penalties, expands enforcement authority, and modernises rehabilitation and judicial processes to confront the country’s evolving narcotics landscape.
Under the revised law, a new system will regulate emerging synthetic substances in addition to those already listed under the Act. The Amendment also introduces new drug offences and recalibrated penalties, while strengthening the treatment and rehabilitation structure for individuals suffering from addiction. Significant adjustments have been made to the Drug Court’s operational procedures and treatment programmes, ensuring greater consistency and oversight.
A central feature of the reform is the substantial escalation of penalties for drug trafficking. Importing, attempting to import, assisting in the import, or otherwise participating in the import or export of Schedule 1 drugs will now carry a mandatory 20 year prison sentence accompanied by fines ranging from MVR 75,000 to MVR 7.5 million. In cases where specific thresholds are exceeded, the penalty may rise to the death sentence. These thresholds include more than 350 grams of cannabis, 250 grams of diamorphine, or 100 grams of any other Schedule 1 substance trafficked at the point of entry.
The Amendment stipulates a stringent judicial safeguard for capital sentencing. Any death penalty ruling must undergo comprehensive review by a higher court and may only be executed if every justice of the Supreme Court, sitting in full bench, delivers unanimous agreement.
Offences punishable by life imprisonment or capital punishment will not be eligible for clemency. Individuals charged with such crimes will also be barred from plea agreements as defined in the Criminal Procedure Code.
The new law criminalises a wider array of drug related activities, including providing services that facilitate drug use and allowing premises to be used for consumption where the owner or caretaker has knowledge or reasonable cause to believe such activity is occurring. Financing the drug trade is also now a criminal offence. Law enforcement agencies have been granted the authority to seize and confiscate vehicles and vessels used in trafficking operations and to shut down businesses or establishments that enable drug related services.
In line with the government’s broader strategy to confront narcotics networks and reduce drug harm across communities, the Amendment strengthens investigative tools and asset confiscation procedures to disrupt criminal enterprises more effectively.
The Third Amendment to the Drugs Act will come into force three months after its publication in the Government Gazette.
