The Maldives is currently confronting legislative obstacles in prosecuting cases involving novel psychoactive substances recently discovered on the streets, authorities have confirmed.
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) reported the discovery of eight previously unseen types of drugs during recent operations and raised concerns over the challenges faced in prosecuting cases related to these substances due to legislative shorcomings. The Drugs Act of 2011, which specifies 139 types of substances, has not been updated since its enactment.
Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shakir, at a press briefing, said, “Amidst the challenges of prosecuting cases due to the absence of certain drugs on the list of banned substances, drug traffickers continue their operations with meticulous research. The discovery of new substances, classified as narcotics by UNODC [United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime] guidelines and international best practices, underscores the evolving landscape of this issue.”
Novel substances, which are not controlled under international drug laws established by the United Nations, include synthetic cannabinoids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, opioids, hallucinogens, and dissociatives.
Shakir also issued a warning about drug sellers utilising under-construction buildings in Hulhumalé Phase II for their illicit operations, urging construction companies and building owners to exercise vigilance. There are numerous legal challenges in curbing such drug cafés, he added, stating that the MPS has been working since 2021 to amend the laws and has researched the required amendments.
Meanwhile, authorities have initiated a special audit of cases where improper investigative practices or prosecutorial errors had led to the release of suspected drug traffickers.
The special audit aims to discern the mechanisms enabling drug traffickers to evade prosecution, the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, disclosed during a press briefing. A special committee, comprising representatives from the ministry, Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Maldives Police Service (MPS), has been instituted to conduct the audit.
Ihusaan stated, “In collaboration with the Prosecutor General’s Office, we are identifying the loopholes that enable individuals suspected of drug trafficking to evade prosecution. Our objective is to strengthen our investigative and administrative procedures to ensure that drug traffickers are brought to justice.”
Despite the MPS conducting extensive drug operations, it has consistently expressed concern over the release of suspected drug traffickers without prosecution. The courts have frequently released suspects due to procedural and administrative errors in the investigative and prosecution processes. Allegations of bribery involving judges and police officers have also surfaced.
In response to the escalating drug menace, authorities have launched a joint operation comprising the MPS, Maldives Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, and the Maldives Correctional Service. Thus far, 13 operations have been conducted, resulting in the confiscation of illegal drugs worth MVR 13 million and the apprehension of 30 individuals.