‘Drug café’ owners could face up to 15 years in prison, fines in million
The provisions will come into force three months after the bill’s adoption.
Parliament on Wednesday approved amendments to strengthen penalties for owners of cafe-style establishments used for drug use or drug trafficking. Under the new provisions, an owner can be jailed for up to 15 years and fined between MVR 200,000 and MVR 1 million.
The Judiciary Committee examined the bill in December last year and moved it forward with changes after a delay of one year. The bill was passed with 65 votes in favour. No members voted against.
The bill introduces four offences under new articles added after Article 128 of the Act:
-
1-
Providing drug-use services at a specific location: Five years in prison and a fine between MVR 50,000 and MVR 100,000.
-
2-
Owners, tenants, occupants, keepers, or persons in charge allowing drug use on the premises, knowing or believing it is taking place: Ten years in prison and a fine between MVR 100,000 and MVR 200,000.
-
3-
Providing a place for drug trafficking: Twenty years in prison and a fine between MVR 200,000 and MVR 1 million.
-
4-
Owners, tenants, occupants, keepers, or persons in charge allowing or facilitating the use of a premises for drug trafficking: Fifteen years in prison and a fine between MVR 200,000 and MVR 1 million.
The bill defines “service for the use of drugs” as the provision of drugs and the apparatus, equipment, and materials used to deliver drugs to users at a specific location.
It also establishes that providing money to the drug trade is an offence. Punishment: Twenty years in prison and a fine between MVR 200,000 and MVR 1 million.
Drug cafes have been raided in the past and owners charged under Article 127(h), which sets a penalty of ten years in prison for premises owners or vehicle owners linked to drug trafficking.
The bill grants the police expanded powers to curb drug cafes. Under new provisions added at the end of section 156 of the Act, police may issue closure notices if there are reasonable grounds to believe a premises is used for drug services and poses a threat to public safety.
Key points include:
-
Police may close the premises for up to 24 hours, during which entry may be prohibited.
-
The notice must be issued after notifying the owner or after taking reasonable steps to do so.
-
Extending the closure beyond 24 hours requires a court order, which must specify a period not exceeding three months.
The notice may also be issued to drug service premises located separately within a residential area. It may be issued for premises that serve as the sole residence of the service provider. If the property is not occupied, police may exercise this power from outside.
The provisions will come into force three months after the bill’s adoption. Parliament passed the bill Wednesday. It awaits ratification from President Mohamed Muizzu.
