Capital punishment for drug trafficking has come into effect in the Maldives following the implementation of the Third Amendment to the Drugs Act.

The amendment was passed by the People’s Majlis on 3 December 2025 and ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on 6 December 2025. It came into effect three months after ratification and publication in the Government Gazette.

The amendment significantly increases penalties for drug trafficking offences. Individuals convicted of trafficking drugs listed under Schedule 1 of the Act, including attempting to import or export drugs, assisting in such activities, or participating in the import or export of drugs, now face a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from MVR 75,000 to MVR 7.5 million.

Under the amendment, capital punishment may be imposed in cases involving large quantities of Schedule 1 drugs brought into the Maldives at the time of entry. The threshold quantities include more than 350 grams of cannabis, 250 grams of diamorphine, or 100 grams of any other Schedule 1 drug.

The law also introduces strict procedural requirements before a capital punishment sentence can be carried out. All legal aspects of the conviction and case circumstances must be reviewed by a superior court. The sentence may only be implemented if every justice of the Supreme Court, sitting as a full bench, unanimously agrees.

If the Supreme Court does not reach a unanimous decision in favour of implementing capital punishment, the convicted individual will instead face life imprisonment along with a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million.

The amendment further states that offences carrying penalties of life imprisonment or capital punishment are not eligible for clemency under any circumstances. Individuals charged with such offences are also not eligible for plea agreements under the Criminal Procedure Code.