Maldives Implements Death Penalty for Drug Trafficking

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified amendments to the Drugs Act, introducing the death penalty for drug trafficking. The amendments, passed by Parliament last week, will take effect in three months. The new legislation includes stricter regulations for controlled substances, enhanced law enforcement powers, and updated asset seizure procedures. The death penalty will apply to trafficking specific quantities of Schedule 1 drugs, such as more than 350 grams of cannabis or 250 grams of heroin. The law also mandates that life sentences will mean serving until natural death, with no eligibility for clemency or parole for such offenses. Additional measures criminalize financing drug trade and penalize premises used for drug-related activities.