President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has directed government authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of proposed amendments to the Drugs Act, which could introduce capital punishment for individuals convicted of importing or trafficking illicit narcotics. The directive forms part of the administration's escalating efforts to combat what it describes as a pervasive drug epidemic and to cultivate a drug-free generation.
In a statement shared via social media, President Muizzu reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting the population from the destructive impact of drug dependency. "Safeguarding the Maldivian community from the pervasive drug epidemic and fostering a generation free from drug dependency constitutes one of this government's foremost objectives," he stated.
The proposed legislation is now under parliamentary deliberation. It seeks to align domestic policy with measures observed in "some other countries" that permit capital punishment for drug-related crimes. "To that end, government agencies with relevant jurisdiction have been directed to conduct further study on the proposed amendment bill to the Drugs Act, currently submitted to parliament," President Muizzu noted.
At the heart of the president's proposal are stringent sentencing provisions that could include the death penalty for individuals found guilty of drug importation or trafficking offences. "This review aims to stipulate stringent penalties, including capital punishment, for individuals convicted of drug importation or trafficking offenses, in alignment with practices observed in various other nations globally,” he added.
These legislative changes are part of a broader strategy designed to curb narcotics-related harm across the nation. In addition to regulating new psychoactive substances, the bill outlines revised categories of drug offences with corresponding penalties. It also introduces reforms to treatment programmes and updates the operational framework of the Drug Court.
In advance of legislative passage, the government has bolstered law enforcement capacity and introduced a national framework aimed at unifying rehabilitation services and supporting societal reintegration. As part of its enforcement approach, authorities are targeting the leadership of drug trafficking networks. Inspection systems for parcels arriving via air and postal routes are being reinforced. A container scanner is also set to be acquired to detect narcotics trafficked by sea, a measure intended to overcome long-standing operational constraints.