Amended Drugs Act Introducing Death Penalty for Smuggling Takes Effect

The third amendment to the Drugs Act, introducing the death penalty for those convicted of smuggling drugs into the Maldives, came into effect yesterday.

Parliament passed the amendment on 3 December 2025, and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified it three days later. The law was set to take effect three months after ratification.

Under the new provisions, the Supreme Court of the Maldives may impose the death penalty if it unanimously determines that the sentence is warranted. The law applies to those trafficking more than 350 grams of cannabis, 250 grams of diamorphine (heroin), or 100 grams of other illicit drugs.

President Muizzu previously stated that the amendment aims to prevent drug trafficking, reduce drug use, prioritise treatment for addicts, and establish a system to reintegrate them into society.

The legislation also removes the previous 25-year maximum prison sentence under the Drugs Act. It amends life sentences to mean imprisonment for the remainder of a convict’s natural life. Life imprisonment without parole now applies to individuals convicted of serious drug offences, while offences punishable by life imprisonment or death cannot be reduced, altered, or pardoned. Plea agreements are no longer permitted in such cases.

The amendment introduces stricter enforcement measures, including expanded powers for law enforcement, updated procedures for asset seizure and confiscation, and enhanced regulations governing the Drug Court and treatment programmes. Penalties for trafficking, attempting to import or export, or facilitating the movement of Schedule 1 drugs have increased to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from MVR 75,000 to MVR 7,500,000.

Additional provisions criminalise providing services that facilitate drug use and hold property owners or caretakers liable if they allow premises to be used for drug consumption. The amendment also criminalises financing the drug trade. Police are authorised to seize vehicles or vessels used in trafficking and to close establishments that support drug-related activities.

The amendment further stipulates that the death penalty can only be carried out if every justice of the Supreme Court, sitting as a full bench, unanimously approves the sentence, reinforcing judicial oversight in capital cases.