Maldives Parliament has approved a sweeping amendment to the Drugs Act, introducing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for individuals convicted of smuggling significant quantities of illegal narcotics into the country.
The amendment—tabled on behalf of the Government by MP Yoosuf Nasheed—seeks to toughen penalties on drug importation, trafficking networks, and individuals who accumulate wealth through illicit drug trade. The Judiciary Committee earlier reviewed and revised the bill before submitting the final version to the floor.
Death Penalty Thresholds Clearly Defined
Under the approved changes, capital punishment may be imposed on offenders found guilty of smuggling:
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More than 350 grams of cannabis
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Over 250 grams of diamorphine (heroin)
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More than 100 grams of any other illegal narcotic
The tougher penalties apply from the moment a suspect enters Maldivian territory with smuggled drugs in their possession.
In a notable safeguard, the legislation stipulates that a death sentence can only be issued with a unanimous verdict from the full Supreme Court bench. If the judges fail to reach consensus, the offender would instead face life imprisonment along with a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million.
No Pardons, No Commutations, No Parole
Additional recommendations from the Judiciary Committee were also adopted, barring any possibility of:
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Presidential pardons
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Sentence commutations
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Parole release
for individuals sentenced to death or life imprisonment for drug smuggling offences.
Government Says Amendment Targets Rising Drug Abuse
According to the Government, the overhaul aims to give law-enforcement agencies wider authority amid rising drug possession, abuse, and drug-related crime nationwide. The bill further outlines measures to improve treatment pathways for drug addicts, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The reform package also includes provisions to:
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Classify and regulate emerging synthetic drugs not previously listed
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Add new drug-related offences and stricter penalties
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Strengthen rehabilitation and treatment frameworks
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Review and update regulations governing the Drug Court’s operations
State to Confiscate Assets From Drug Crimes
The amendment revises Article 161 of the Act, mandating that any funds or property seized in connection with drug offences be permanently confiscated by the State. Previously, such confiscations were carried out under a regulation linked to the State Finance Act.
The newly passed legislation marks one of the most significant expansions of punitive measures in the Maldives’ anti-narcotics framework, underscoring the Administration’s stated commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and addressing the growing social impact of substance abuse.
