New Delhi: Planning a trip to the Maldives? Be extremely vigilant about your belongings and do not help unknown people by carrying their luggage.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has cautioned Indians on how the island country has strengthened its anti-drug laws, adding harsh punishments like the death penalty in extreme cases.
“Be aware that ignorance of the law is not a defence and any legal violations may result in severe punishments,” the NCB said in its advisory.
The Maldives recently “strengthened” its anti-narcotics laws by amending the Maldives’ Drugs Act. The amended Act came into effect from March.
The amendments prescribe significantly-enhanced penalties for drug-related offences, including l
ife imprisonment and, in certain cases involving large-scale trafficking, the death penalty, subject to confirmation by a competent court under Maldivian laws, the NCB has said.
The amended law provides stricter punishment even for possessing small quantities of prohibited substances, it said, as reported by PTI.
The High Commission of India in the Maldives has also issued advisories urging Indian nationals to strictly comply with local laws and regulations, the advisory said.
The NCB “strongly” advises Indians to exercise “extreme” caution at all ports and transit points when unknown individuals request that they carry goods, it has been said in the statement.
“Indian passengers should not carry any package, baggage or item on behalf of others under any circumstances, without being absolutely sure of the contents,” it said.
“Maintain full control and supervision of (your) personal baggage at all times,” the NCB said.
Recent instances have been reported involving the arrests of foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, in the Maldives for drug-related offences, the central agency said.