VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, April 23: In view of the tightening of anti-narcotics regulations in the Maldives, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Thursday issued a detailed advisory cautioning Indian citizens to strictly adhere to the island nation’s stringent drug laws while travelling abroad.
According to the press release dated April 23, 2026, recent amendments to the Maldives’ Drugs Act, which came into effect in March this year, have significantly enhanced penalties for drug-related offences. The revised legislation prescribes severe punishments, including life imprisonment and, in cases involving large-scale drug trafficking, even the death penalty, subject to confirmation by competent courts under Maldivian law.
The advisory further highlights that the amended law enforces strict penalties not only for trafficking but also for possession of even small quantities of prohibited substances, underscoring the zero-tolerance stance adopted by Maldivian authorities.
The NCB noted with concern that several recent cases have emerged involving foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, being arrested in the Maldives on charges related to narcotics offences. In response, the High Commission of India in Malé has also issued separate advisories urging Indian travellers to exercise utmost caution and comply fully with local laws and regulations.
Issuing a set of precautionary guidelines, the NCB has strongly advised Indian citizens not to carry any baggage, package, or item on behalf of others under any circumstances without being fully aware of its contents. Travellers have also been cautioned to remain vigilant at airports, seaports, and transit points, where they may be approached by unknown individuals requesting them to transport goods.
The Bureau further emphasised the importance of maintaining strict personal control over one’s belongings at all times to avoid any inadvertent legal complications. It reiterated that ignorance of local laws cannot be cited as a defence and any violation may invite stringent legal consequences under Maldivian jurisdiction.
Citizens have also been encouraged to report any suspicious approach or incident through the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline (1933), a dedicated platform aimed at combating drug trafficking and related activities.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy against narcotics, the NCB urged all Indian travellers to remain vigilant, responsible, and law-abiding while visiting foreign destinations, particularly countries with strict drug enforcement regimes like the Maldives.
The advisory comes as part of broader efforts by Indian authorities to safeguard citizens abroad and prevent their involvement—knowingly or unknowingly—in drug-related offences that could lead to severe legal repercussions.
