Amendments introducing the death penalty for major drug traffickers and importers have come into force in the Maldives, marking one of the country’s toughest legal measures against narcotics offences.
Under the revised law, capital punishment may be imposed on individuals convicted of trafficking or importing large quantities of illegal drugs. However, the sentence can only be handed down if the Supreme Court bench hearing the case reaches a unanimous decision.
If the justices do not agree unanimously, the convicted person will instead face life imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million.
The amendments were passed by Parliament on 3 December 2025 and ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on 6 December 2025. The law required a three-month waiting period before taking effect, which expired on 8 March 2026.
The revised provisions allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty in cases involving more than 350 grams of cannabis, more than 250 grams of diamorphine, or more than 100 grams of any other narcotic substance. The sentence may also apply in cases involving the import of controlled drugs into the Maldives.
With some statements from the National Drug Agency indicating that there is no island free from drug use, highlighting the pervasive nature of the problem.
