India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has urged Indian nationals travelling to or living in the Maldives to comply with the country's strengthened drug laws following recent amendments that introduced tougher penalties for drug-related offences.

The bureau said the amendments, which came into effect in March, impose significantly harsher penalties for offences involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including life imprisonment for certain offences. It warned that even possession of small quantities of prohibited substances could carry severe legal consequences under the revised law.

The NCB also noted an increase in the number of foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, arrested in the Maldives in connection with drug-related offences in recent months.

The High Commission of India in the Maldives has separately advised Indian nationals to fully comply with Maldivian laws and regulations. It also urged travellers not to carry packages, bags or luggage on behalf of others without first verifying their contents, and to keep their personal belongings under close supervision at all times.

The advisory further encouraged Indian nationals to report any suspicious activity to India's National Narcotics Helpline, MANAS (1933).

Reaffirming India's zero-tolerance policy on drug trafficking, the NCB urged Indian nationals travelling abroad to remain vigilant, act responsibly and respect the laws of the countries they visit.