Maldives introduces death penalty for drug trafficking

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified amendments to the Drugs Act to introduce the death penalty for drug trafficking.

The amendments, passed by the Parliament last week, are set to take effect in three months.

The reforms introduced under the legislature include the establishment of a system to regulate newly emerging substances in addition to those already controlled under the law, the creation of new drug-related offences and corresponding penalties, and the enhancement of the treatment framework for individuals with addiction.

It also further revises the operational rules of the Drug Court and its treatment programs.

The amendments also grant additional powers to law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes, updates procedures governing the seizure and confiscation of assets obtained through criminal activity, and introduces a series of further measures designed to reinforce overall law enforcement efforts.

But the most significant amendment made to the Drugs Act is the introduction of the death penalty for trafficking Schedule 1 drugs if it meets certain thresholds.

The threshold for death penalty for drug trafficking:

• Cannabis: More than 350 grams
• Diamorphine (heroin): More than 250 grams
• Other Schedule 1 drugs: More than 100 grams

But the amendment requires that all legal aspects of the conviction and the circumstances of the case be reviewed by superior courts, and the death penalty may only be executed with the unanimous agreement of a full bench of the Supreme Court.

The Drugs Act currently prescribed a life sentence of 25 years and fines of MVR 100,000 – MVR 10 million for drug trafficking. But the new amendments change life sentence for convicts to rest of their natural life behind bars.

The amendments also stipulate that offences carrying penalties of life imprisonment or the death penalty shall not be eligible for clemency or parole. Furthermore, individuals accused of such offences are not eligible for plea deals.

The legilsature introduces several new drug-related offences, including the provision of services that facilitate drug use, and holding owners, tenants, occupants, caretakers, or any persons in charge of premises liable where they know or have reasonable cause to believe that such premises are being used for drug use.

The bill further criminalizes the financing of the drug trade. It also grants the police authority to seize and confiscate vehicles and vessels used for drug trafficking and to close down establishments that provide or enable drug-related services.