Criminal Court orders first closure of drug cafe in Malé

The Criminal Court has ordered the closure of a premises in Malé identified as H. Gunzar under provisions introduced through recent amendments to the Drug Act.

The property was ordered shut for 90 days from last Tuesday.

According to authorities, this is the first court order issued under the amended law relating to premises allegedly used for drug-related activities.

Amendments to the Drug Act came into effect on 7 March, granting the Maldives Police Service the authority to issue 24-hour closure notices for locations suspected of facilitating drug use without first obtaining a court warrant.

The revised law also allows courts to order closure of such premises for up to three months.

Under the legislation, providing a location or service for drug consumption is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to MVR 100,000.

The law also states that property owners, tenants or individuals responsible for the premises may face legal action if they knowingly permit such activities.

Police warned that entering or interfering with premises sealed under a court order is a criminal offence and stated that legal action would be taken against anyone who trespasses or damages the property during the closure period.

The enforcement action follows an incident reported last month in which a body was discovered inside a suspected drug cafe in Malé.

According to witnesses, the body showed signs of injury and was found in a hanging position when authorities arrived at the scene.