The Maldives has enacted the death penalty for drug trafficking, a significant change in its criminal justice approach, but ex-Supreme Court Justice Husnu Al Suood argues it’s not the appropriate decision.

 

The amendment to the Drugs Act, approved by Parliament on Wednesday and signed into law by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday, establishes the death penalty for importing over 500 grams of drugs specified in Schedule One of the legislation.

 

On Thursday, Suood posted on X:

 

The Parliament of the Maldives has enacted a new law instituting the death penalty for drug trafficking, representing a significant change in policy intended to combat narcotics within the nation. "Do not think this is the correct method."

 

“P.S. Corruption poses an identical threat.”

 

Suood did not provide further details regarding his concerns.

 

The proposal was presented by Gan MP Yusuf Nasheed on December 1, 2024, and delineates three sections:

 

- Schedule One: Banned substances and their derivatives

 

- Schedule Two: Pharmaceutical substances and their derivatives

 

- Schedule Three: Tools, substances, and resources utilized in drug production

 

Earlier, the highest punishment for drug trafficking under the Narcotics Act was life in prison or a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million.

 

The modification seeks to:

 

- Enhance the authority of law enforcement

 

- Control drug trafficking, ownership, and consumption.

 

- Improve recovery programs for substance abusers

 

Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan stated on Thursday that there would be “no compassion or leniency” for drug traffickers.

 

Although the amendment has been approved, various political leaders have expressed worries regarding the death penalty in the Maldives, including ex-President Abdulla Yameen and former Home Minister Umar Naseer.