Life imprisonment for enrichment from drug money, no pardon for drug lords

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has decided to propose an amendment to Maldives' Drug Act that would impose a life sentence for those who gain illicit enrichment from drug money, and strip the right to receive a pardon for individuals caught in cases involving over 500 grams of drugs.

As per the current law in effect, the state can only confiscate money and property obtained from drug trafficking, with the maximum sentence being three years for such a crime.

The amendment prepared by the Ministry says that an individual can be considered to have earned their wealth from drug trafficking if their income is disproportionately higher than their job or work, and they fail to explain the source of the funds. Such a crime would carry a life sentence, with all the funds, property and any benefits received from that being confiscated by the authorities.

The bill also states that such a finding in a person's financial transactions, via police investigations or a discovery made by an international agency would be grounds to deem illicit enrichment. It also considers transfer of such money to accounts and other individual by various means as illicit enrichment as well.

It further allows the state to withhold any funds or property seized in a drug related case, even if the individual is not convicted of the charges raised against them, so long as they are unable to explain the source of the funds.

The amendment also proposes those convicted in drug cases to not have the opportunity to be pardoned, or be granted a lesser sentence. As such, individuals convicted in cases involving over 500 grams of drugs will not be able to request a pardon, lesser sentence or even release on bail. In cases involving less than 500 grams of drugs, those convicted would need to serve one third of their sentences before they are able to receive lessened punishments.

The bill also mandates the trial and appeal duration of court cases, detailing that the lower courts must complete the trials within three months, while the appeal process should not take longer than a month.

Additionally, the bill also grants additional powers to investigative bodies, and has stricter regulations on search and seizure of persons and properties involved in drug cases.

It also carries capital punishment in drug related cases.

While the country is currently dealing with many cases of individuals grappling with drug use disorders, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his government have said solving the country's drug issue is a high priority of the government. As such, he entrusted the responsibility of solving the crisis to Ali Ihusan, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology.