President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced today that a new bill to amend the Narcotics Act and combat gang crimes will be submitted to the People’s Majlis very soon. In a post on “X”, President Dr. Muizzu said that one of the biggest challenges to the efforts of state institutions to save the Maldivian nation from the scourge of drugs is some shortcomings in the current Narcotics Act.
Therefore, after reviewing the Narcotics Act in consultation with relevant state agencies to eliminate the challenges in investigating and prosecuting drug cases, the President said that the government will submit amendments to the law to the People’s Majlis this week. Additionally, to protect and save the Maldivian nation from gang crimes, which are closely linked to drug issues, the President said that the government will submit a new bill on preventing gang-related crimes to the Majlis within the next two weeks, replacing the current law on prohibiting gang crimes.
“I am deeply grateful for the cooperation of the beloved Maldivian people in these efforts to bring permanent solutions to such major issues,” President Dr. Muizzu said. As preparations are made to introduce a new bill to combat gang crimes, the Ministry of Home Affairs has drafted a bill to identify gang leaders and members, dismiss them from government jobs, and prevent them from running for elected positions. The bill, which has been sent to the Attorney General’s Office, includes detailed descriptions of gangs, gang leaders, and members. It also includes provisions for the death penalty for those who import drugs above a certain quantity.
