The Criminal Court of Maldives has ordered the closure of a premises linked to drug-related activities under amendments to the Narcotics Act, marking the first such order issued by the court under the revised law.

According to Maldives Police Service, the court ordered the closure of a premises identified as H. Gunzaru in Malé for a period of 90 days beginning May 5. Police described the establishment as a café-style location associated with drug-related activities.

Amendments to the Narcotics Act which came into force on March 7, 2026 granted courts the authority to order the closure of suspected drug dens for periods of up to three months. Under the previous law, police were only authorised to issue temporary closure notices lasting up to 24 hours, while longer closures depended on cooperation from property owners.

Under the law, operating premises used to provide drug-related services carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and fines of up to MVR 100,000. The legislation also holds owners, tenants and individuals responsible for the premises criminally liable if they knowingly allow such activities to take place.

Police further stated that entering premises sealed under a court order without authorisation is also considered a criminal offence. Authorities warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals who violate closure orders or damage sealed properties.