Muizzu Says Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers Is Necessary
Miuzzu speaking at the inauguration of new PNC head office. | Photo: Presidency Maldives
The death penalty is necessary for drug traffickers, says President Mohamed Muizzu, stating that while his administration does not wish to implement such a punishment, it is required to curb the serious harm caused by the drug trade.
Speaking last night at the inauguration of the new office of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Muizzu said no Maldivian wants drug trafficking to continue and described the penalty as a deterrent aimed at obstructing the trade. He said he hoped the authorities would never have to carry out such a sentence, but stressed that firm measures were needed to address one of the country’s most severe socio-economic challenges.
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Muizzu’s remarks come after parliament passed amendments to the Drugs Act on 3 December 2025, which he ratified on 6 December. The changes will come into force three months after ratification. Under the amended law, the Supreme Court may impose the death penalty for serious drug trafficking offences, but only if all justices, sitting as a full bench, unanimously agree that the sentence is warranted.
The law applies to individuals convicted of trafficking more than 350 grams of cannabis, 250 grams of diamorphine (heroin), or 100 grams of other illicit drugs. It removes the previous maximum prison sentence of 25 years and redefines life imprisonment as incarceration for the remainder of a convict’s natural life. Life sentences without parole now apply to serious drug offences, and penalties carrying life imprisonment or death cannot be reduced, altered, or pardoned.
The amendments also abolish plea agreements for offences punishable by life imprisonment or death and introduce stricter enforcement measures. These include expanded powers for law enforcement, updated procedures for asset seizure and confiscation, and strengthened rules governing the Drug Court and treatment programmes.
Penalties for trafficking, attempting to import or export, or facilitating the movement of Schedule 1 drugs have been increased to up to 20 years’ imprisonment, alongside fines ranging from MVR 75,000 to MVR 7.5 million. The law further criminalises financing the drug trade, providing services that facilitate drug use, and allowing premises to be used for drug consumption. Police are also empowered to seize vehicles or vessels used in trafficking and to close establishments linked to drug-related activities.
President Muizzu has previously said the amendments aim to prevent drug trafficking, reduce drug use, prioritise treatment for addicts, and create a system to reintegrate them into society, while maintaining strict penalties for those who profit from the drug trade.
