Court orders closure of alleged drug café in a first

For the first time, the Criminal Court has issued an order under the Drugs Act to close off a premises allegedly used to provide drug-related services, commonly referred to as drug cafés.

In a press statement on Friday night, the Maldives Police Service said the court ordered to close off H. Gunzar in Male’ City.

According to the Police, the order requires the premises to remain sealed off for a period of 90 days, starting from last Tuesday.

Under amendments to the Drugs Act that came into effect on March 7, 2024, the Police are authorized to issue a 24-hour closure notice for locations suspected of facilitating drug-related services. The legislation also grants courts the authority to extend such closures for up to three months.

The Police reminded that providing services related to drug use constitutes a criminal offense punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and fines reaching MVR 100,000. The Act additionally states that property owners, tenants, or individuals responsible for a premises who knowingly permit such activities to take place may also face prosecution and severe legal penalties.

The law further criminalizes entering or leaving a premises sealed under a court order without authorization during the specified closure period. The Police warned that strict legal action would be taken against any individual found entering the premises unlawfully or causing damage to the property.