Tougher penalties have been introduced with the revision of the Drugs Act, set in motion with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratifying the Third Amendment to the Act. The reform package, passed by the 20th People’s Majlis on 3 December 2025, is one of the most stringent updates to the country’s drug control framework in over a decade.

The Amendment introduces a regulatory system for newly emerging substances, expands the list of drug-related offences and penalties, and strengthens treatment and rehabilitation measures for individuals with addiction. It also revises the operational rules of the Drug Court and its associated programmes.

Law enforcement powers have been significantly widened, including updated procedures for asset seizure and confiscation and tighter mechanisms to prevent drug-related crimes. Vehicles, vessels and establishments linked to trafficking or enabling drug use may now be shut down or seized.

One of the most consequential changes is the sharp increase in penalties for trafficking Schedule 1 drugs. Offences such as importing, exporting, or assisting in the movement of these substances now carry a mandatory 20-year prison term and fines ranging from MVR 75,000 to MVR 7.5 million. Under certain conditions, including trafficking quantities above specified thresholds or bringing drugs into the Maldives upon entry, offenders may face the death penalty.

Where a death sentence is issued, the Amendment requires a full review by a superior court and unanimous agreement from all Supreme Court justices before the penalty can be carried out. The legislation also bars clemency and plea agreements for offences carrying life imprisonment or capital punishment.

Additional provisions criminalise the financing of drug operations and make property owners and managers liable if they knowingly allow drug use on their premises.

The Amendment will take effect three months after its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette.