Gov’t Moves Forward with Legal Amendments to Combat Drug and Gang Crimes

The government has announced that it has forwarded amendments to the law aimed at preventing drug and gang-related crimes to the Attorney General’s Office. 

This initiative forms part of President Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to addressing the country’s drug problem within the next five years.

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The Ministry of Internal Security and Technology, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has developed the proposed amendments to strengthen the legal framework. The “Prevention of Gang Crimes Act” is designed to establish clear criteria for defining gangs, prevent serious offences committed by these groups, and outline procedures for the confiscation of property and proceeds derived from such crimes. Additionally, the Act seeks to criminalise and impose penalties for providing financial or material support to gang members.

Further objectives of the Act include identifying and compiling a list of recognised gangs, facilitating criminal investigations against individuals accused of gang-related crimes, and granting the police special powers to conduct these investigations swiftly and effectively.

The government has reiterated its policy of zero tolerance towards gang crime and drug-related offences. The rise in various types of crime across the Maldives has heightened public concern, with the growing threat of gangs being particularly alarming, especially in densely populated areas.