India’s Narcotics Control Bureau has issued a strong advisory cautioning citizens travelling to the Maldives that even small quantities of prohibited drugs can now trigger severe punishment under the island nation’s recently toughened anti-narcotics legislation, with large-scale trafficking potentially carrying the death penalty.
The alert, released on Thursday, follows amendments to the Maldives’ Drugs Act that came into force in March. The changes significantly escalate penalties for drug-related offences, including life imprisonment for many cases and capital punishment for major trafficking involving specified thresholds — such as more than 350 grams of cannabis or 250 grams of heroin — subject to court confirmation.
Recent arrests of foreign nationals, including several Indians, in the Maldives have heightened concerns. The Indian High Commission in Malé has echoed the warning, urging nationals to comply strictly with local laws.
The Narcotics Control Bureau emphasised that ignorance of the law offers no defence. Travellers should never agree to carry packages, baggage or items for others without knowing their exact contents, it said. Authorities also advised maintaining constant supervision of personal luggage and exercising particular caution at airports, ports and transit areas when approached by strangers offering to help with goods.
“Be aware that any legal violations may result in severe punishments,” the advisory stated. It encouraged citizens to report suspicious approaches to India’s national narcotics helpline.
The Maldives, a favourite holiday destination for many Indians seeking its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, has long enforced strict drug controls in line with its Islamic legal framework. The latest amendments form part of a broader government push under President Mohamed Muizzu to combat what officials describe as a growing narcotics problem threatening societal values.
Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have criticised the measures. They have called for the repeal of the new provisions and the maintenance — or full abolition — of the country’s longstanding moratorium on executions. Critics argue that introducing the death penalty for drug offences violates international human rights standards and lacks evidence of unique deterrent value.
Indian officials stressed the importance of personal responsibility when travelling abroad. The advisory serves as a reminder that penalties in the Maldives far exceed those typically applied in India for similar offences, and clemency is unavailable in the most serious cases.
The warning is the latest in a series of travel alerts from Indian agencies regarding destinations with rigorous drug enforcement. Officials recommend that anyone planning a trip to the Maldives review the latest guidance from both the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Indian High Commission before departure.
The NCB reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and urged all citizens to remain vigilant and law-abiding while overseas.
