In a bold move aimed at tackling two of the Maldives' most pressing issues—drug-related crimes and gang violence—President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to amend the Drugs Act and introduce a new bill targeting gang activities. These legislative changes, set to be presented to Parliament in the next two weeks, will address critical gaps in the law that hinder efforts to combat these societal problems.
Strengthening the Drugs Act
The President has acknowledged the limitations of the current Drugs Act, which has struggled to keep up with the growing challenges posed by the drug epidemic. Despite the government's best efforts, state institutions have faced significant obstacles in effectively addressing drug-related crimes, making it clear that reforms are urgently needed.
Proposed Changes to the Drugs Act:
- Improved Enforcement: The amendments will focus on enhancing the law enforcement framework, enabling authorities to take more decisive action against offenders.
- Streamlined Judicial Processes: Updates to the judicial procedures will make it easier to prosecute individuals involved in drug-related crimes, ensuring that justice is served more efficiently.
- Collaboration with State Agencies: The government is working closely with relevant institutions to ensure that the changes address practical challenges faced by law enforcement, making the amendments both realistic and effective.
This overhaul is part of the administration’s larger strategy to confront the drug crisis head-on, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for Maldivian citizens.
A New Approach to Combat Gang Violence
Alongside the amendments to the Drugs Act, the government is also tackling the issue of gang violence by proposing a new bill to replace the existing Gang Crimes Prohibition Act. The new bill aims to enhance measures against gang-related offenses, providing authorities with more power to prevent and combat these crimes.
Key Features of the New Gang Violence Bill:
- Identification of Key Gang Figures: The bill will introduce stronger measures to identify and track gang leaders and members, making it easier for authorities to dismantle criminal organizations.
- Restrictions on Government Employment: Gang members will be prohibited from holding public office or participating in elections, ensuring that they cannot use political influence to further their criminal activities.
- Stronger Penalties: The bill includes provisions for harsher punishments, including the possibility of the death penalty for major drug trafficking offenses. This is designed to deter individuals from engaging in large-scale criminal enterprises.
By addressing gang violence through this comprehensive bill, the government seeks to disrupt the operations of gangs and reduce the harm they inflict on communities across the Maldives.
Government’s Vision
President Muizzu has expressed his gratitude for the support from various sectors of society in confronting these long-standing issues. He stressed the importance of a coordinated effort between law enforcement, the judiciary, and state agencies to tackle both drug-related crimes and gang violence.
In his statement, the President emphasized the interconnected nature of these two challenges. Drug trafficking often fuels gang violence, and vice versa, making it crucial to adopt a holistic approach to combat both simultaneously. The proposed amendments and new bill are steps toward empowering the government and law enforcement to address these problems effectively and protect the safety and well-being of all Maldivians.
