In light of the Maldives’ stricter anti-drug regulations, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has cautioned Indian citizens against unknowingly carrying items for others to the island. The NCB highlighted recent amendments to the Maldives’ Drugs Act, which now impose harsh penalties, including life imprisonment and, in some cases, the death penalty for large-scale drug trafficking.
The NCB emphasized that even possessing small amounts of prohibited substances could lead to severe consequences under the amended law. Several cases have emerged where foreign nationals, including Indians, have been arrested in the Maldives for drug-related offenses. The High Commission of India in Male has also issued advisories, urging Indian nationals to strictly adhere to local laws and regulations.
Indian citizens are strongly advised not to transport any items for others without being certain of the contents, especially at airports, ports, and transit points. They are reminded to supervise their baggage carefully, as ignorance of the law is not an excuse and can result in significant penalties. The NCB urges citizens to report any suspicious incidents to the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline ‘1933’ and maintain vigilance and compliance while traveling abroad.
