Minister of Homeland and Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan has stated that the government is committed to protecting the Maldives from the growing drug threat. His remarks follow Parliament’s approval of amendments to the Narcotics Act, introducing tougher measures against drug trafficking, including the option of the death penalty.

In a Facebook post, Ihusaan said the death penalty for drug traffickers is “of utmost importance” at this stage and highlighted the need for collective responsibility across law enforcement, the judiciary and legal professionals. He thanked President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for his leadership, saying the government is united in its efforts to combat the drug menace.

The bill, submitted by Gan MP Yoosuf Nasheed on behalf of the government, outlines severe penalties for those who smuggle drugs into the Maldives. The death penalty may be imposed only with a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court and applies to cases involving:

  • more than 350 grams of cannabis,
  • more than 250 grams of diamorphine, or
  • more than 100 grams of other illicit drugs (excluding cannabis and diamorphine).

If unanimity is not reached, the offender will face life imprisonment and a fine between MVR 100,000 and MVR 10 million. Life imprisonment is defined as 25 years, though the bill has been amended to ensure that those sentenced cannot receive parole or a pardon.

The legislation also states that offences punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty cannot be pardoned, commuted, or resolved through plea agreements.