Maldives Enacts Death Penalty for Major Drug-Trafficking Offences

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified an amendment to the Drugs Act, introducing the death penalty for major drug-smuggling offences. The law takes effect three months after ratification. Parliament approved the amendment with 65 votes in favour. The government submitted the proposal in December to increase penalties. The previous law had a maximum sentence of 25 years and no capital punishment. The amendment sets thresholds: over 350g cannabis, over 250g diamorphine, or over 100g of other Schedule One drugs (139 substances). The drugs must have been brought into the country by the accused. A death sentence requires a unanimous Supreme Court ruling after all lower court proceedings. If one justice opposes, the punishment is life imprisonment and a fine of MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million. Parole and plea agreements are blocked for major traffickers. The Maldives has not executed anyone since 1954. Government statements last year said four people are on death row.

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified an amendment to the Drugs Act, introducing the death penalty for major drug-smuggling offences. The law takes effect three months after ratification. Parliament approved the amendment with 65 votes in favour. The government submitted the proposal in December to increase penalties. The previous law had a maximum sentence of 25 years and no capital punishment. The amendment sets thresholds: over 350g cannabis, over 250g diamorphine, or over 100g of other Schedule One drugs (139 substances). The drugs must have been brought into the country by the accused. A death sentence requires a unanimous Supreme Court ruling after all lower court proceedings. If one justice opposes, the punishment is life imprisonment and a fine of MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million. Parole and plea agreements are blocked for major traffickers. The Maldives has not executed anyone since 1954. Government statements last year said four people are on death row.

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified an amendment to the Drugs Act, introducing the death penalty for major drug-smuggling offences. The law takes effect three months after ratification. Parliament approved the amendment with 65 votes in favour. The government submitted the proposal in December to increase penalties. The previous law had a maximum sentence of 25 years and no capital punishment. The amendment sets thresholds: over 350g cannabis, over 250g diamorphine, or over 100g of other Schedule One drugs (139 substances). The drugs must have been brought into the country by the accused. A death sentence requires a unanimous Supreme Court ruling after all lower court proceedings. If one justice opposes, the punishment is life imprisonment and a fine of MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million. Parole and plea agreements are blocked for major traffickers. The Maldives has not executed anyone since 1954. Government statements last year said four people are on death row.

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