New Anti-Gang Law Comes Into Effect, Knife Sales to Minors Banned
Police officers conduct an awareness programme with shopkeepers in Malé as part of efforts to enforce the new Anti-Gang Act, which includes a ban on the sale of knives to minors. | Photo: Maldives Police Service
The government’s newly ratified Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act has come into effect today, introducing a series of measures to combat gang crime, including a ban on the sale of knives and sharp objects to minors.
The legislation, signed in May this year by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, aims to provide law enforcement with broader powers to address organised crime and protect communities. Officials say the prohibition on selling knives to children is designed to reduce youth vulnerability to recruitment by criminal groups.
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Other provisions of the Act include:
- Confiscation of assets acquired through gang activities
- Criminalisation of financial support provided to gangs
- Authorisation of covert operations and controlled deliveries
- Electronic tagging and monitoring of high-risk individuals
- Preventive measures and rehabilitation programmes for offenders, with a particular focus on protecting young people
In preparation for the law’s implementation, the Malé City Police, in collaboration with the Crime Prevention Department, launched an awareness campaign in Malé on 20 May. The programme highlighted key elements of the Act, such as:
- The criminalisation of the use or possession of sharp or dangerous weapons
- The ban on selling knives and sharp objects to children under 18
- Shopkeepers’ responsibility to exercise caution when dealing with customers of different age groups, particularly minors and individuals resembling suspects
- The prohibition on selling smoking-related products to children
Traders have been informed of the legal consequences of non-compliance and were advised on measures to help prevent crime, including reporting incidents promptly to authorities. Stickers with essential information for retailers and customers have also been affixed in shops.
Under the new law, anyone found guilty of selling a knife to a child faces a fine of between MVR 20,000 and MVR 100,000. Stricter punishments have also been introduced, including imprisonment of up to ten years for serious offences.
The campaign further encouraged participants to raise awareness of crime prevention strategies on issues such as drug abuse, theft, and fraud. Police noted that cooperation between businesses and communities could play a significant role in reducing crime rates.
The awareness drive will be expanded to cover shop tenants and businesses in Malé, Hulhumalé, Villimalé, as well as garages and other establishments. Police are also working to educate the public on the Act through television programmes.
Other provisions of the Act include the confiscation of assets acquired through gang activities, criminalisation of financial support to gangs, authorisation of covert operations and controlled deliveries, electronic tagging of high-risk individuals, and rehabilitation programmes for offenders.
The new law replaces the Gang Act of 2010, which has been widely criticised as ineffective in curbing rising levels of gang violence.
In remarks at the time of ratification, President Muizzu said the legislation reflects his administration’s determination to uphold public safety and ensure accountability.
