A big warning for those going to the Maldives! No excuse will be accepted, punishable by death; Find out why

• Provision for life imprisonment to death for drug-related offences.
• The excuse of ‘Ignorance of the Act’ will not be accepted.
• Avoid taking belongings of strangers and be alert.

If you MaldivesIf you are planning a trip to, this news is very important for you. On April 23, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India has issued an official advisory for Indian nationals traveling to Maldives. Anti-narcotics laws in the Maldives have recently been tightened, including the death penalty. So they have warned Indians. The Government of Maldives has implemented significant amendments to its ‘Drugs Act’ from March 2026. Penalties for drug-related offenses in that country are now much harsher than before.

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Excuses will not work

I was not aware of the law, this excuse will not work. In any country, claiming ignorance of local laws does not exempt one from legal penalties. Violation of the law inevitably leads to serious consequences. If a stranger insists on carrying your luggage while traveling or you feel any suspicious activity, you are urged to immediately report the incident to the Government of India’s National Narcotics Helpline (1933).

NCB advice

• Do not carry other people’s belongings
• Be wary of strangers at airports
• Keep an eye on your belongings

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Provisions in the new Act

Under the new rules, the offenses of drug trafficking or mere possession of drugs can carry a life sentence. Moreover, if a person is found to be involved in large-scale drug trafficking, the law provides for the death penalty. Don’t be under the impression that you’ll get away with it just because you have a low drug count. As per the amended laws, even the possession of even the smallest quantity of narcotic drugs is subject to severe punishment. Several foreign nationals, including several Indian nationals, were recently arrested in the Maldives in drug-related cases. Taking cognizance of this serious matter, both Indian High Commission in Maldives and NCB have taken this preventive step.

(Disclaimer: This is an automated news feed of Navarashtra newspaper. It is not edited by navarashtra.com staff.)