The Maldives government has proposed a groundbreaking amendment to the Drugs Act that would introduce the death penalty for severe drug trafficking offenses. This draft bill, now under review by the Attorney General's Office, represents a historic shift in the country's approach to drug-related crimes.

Currently, the Maldives reserves the death penalty exclusively for murder cases. If enacted, this would mark the first time capital punishment is applied to drug offenses. The proposed amendments aim to significantly strengthen the legal framework surrounding drug trafficking, which has become a critical concern for the nation.

Under the new provisions outlined in Schedule 1 of the draft bill, individuals convicted of importing more than 500 grams of any of the 139 drugs listed in the bill could face the death penalty. This move seeks to deter large-scale drug smuggling by imposing the most severe penalty available under Maldivian law.

In addition to introducing capital punishment, the draft bill also proposes substantial changes to the current Narcotics Act. Key amendments include:

1. Enhanced Powers for the Drug Court: The Drug Court would gain the authority to issue arrest warrants and conduct trials for drug offenses, responsibilities previously handled by the Criminal Court.
2. Expanded Definitions of Trafficking: The bill broadens the scope of drug trafficking to include financing drug operations and providing logistics support for smuggling activities.
3. Revised Penalties and Rehabilitation Provisions: The amendments enforce stricter penalties for violations of treatment orders and mandate compulsory prosecutions for certain omissions, strengthening the legal response to drug-related crimes.

The Maldivian government has identified the drug problem as a top priority and is committed to implementing comprehensive measures to address it. The proposed amendments reflect an urgent push to tackle the escalating drug crisis and enhance public safety through a more rigorous legal framework.