The amended Drugs Act introducing tougher penalties for drug offences, including the death penalty for major drug smuggling, has officially come into effect in the Maldives.
Parliament passed the third amendment to the Drugs Act on 3 December 2025, and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the legislation shortly afterward. The law was scheduled to take effect three months after ratification.
Under the new provisions, individuals convicted of smuggling large quantities of drugs into the Maldives may face the death penalty. The threshold amounts include more than 350 grams of cannabis, 250 grams of diamorphine (heroin), or 100 grams of other illicit substances.
However, capital punishment can only be imposed if the Supreme Court unanimously agrees that the sentence is warranted. If the court fails to reach a unanimous decision, offenders will instead face life imprisonment along with significant financial penalties.
The amendment also introduces stricter sentencing rules for serious drug crimes. The previous maximum prison term of 25 years has been removed, and life imprisonment now means incarceration for the remainder of a convict’s natural life. In addition, sentences for offences punishable by life imprisonment or death cannot be reduced, altered, pardoned, or negotiated through plea agreements.
Authorities say the changes are aimed at strengthening the country’s response to drug trafficking and rising drug use. President Muizzu has stated that the reform seeks to deter drug smuggling, prioritise treatment for drug addiction, and create pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The amended law significantly expands the powers of law enforcement agencies. Police and customs officers are now authorised to seize vehicles and vessels used in drug trafficking and shut down premises linked to drug-related activities.
The legislation also introduces harsher penalties for trafficking, attempting to import or export drugs, or facilitating the movement of controlled substances. These offences now carry prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines ranging from MVR 75,000 to MVR 7.5 million.
Additional provisions criminalise financing drug trafficking and providing services that enable drug use. Property owners or caretakers may also face legal action if they knowingly allow their premises to be used for drug consumption.
The amendment further strengthens asset confiscation measures. Courts are now empowered to order the seizure of money and property linked to drug offences, including proceeds of crime, assets used to commit offences, and property obtained directly or indirectly through drug trafficking. In certain circumstances, property may be confiscated even if the accused is not convicted.
Officials say the revised law also introduces updated regulations for the Drug Court, tighter controls on emerging substances, and improvements to treatment programmes, forming part of a broader effort to combat drug-related crime in the Maldives.
