India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has issued an advisory for Indians travelling to the Maldives, cautioning them against carrying others' baggage and exercising extreme caution during their visit.
The advisory comes in the wake of recent legislative amendments to the Maldives' Drugs Act, which prescribe significantly enhanced penalties for drug-related offences, including life imprisonment and the death penalty in certain cases.
According to the NCB, the amended law provides stricter punishment even for possession of small quantities of prohibited substances, and ignorance of the law is not a defence.
Recent instances have been reported involving foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, being arrested in the Maldives for drug-related offences.
The High Commission of India in Malé has also issued advisories urging Indian nationals to strictly comply with local laws and regulations.
The NCB has asked all citizens travelling to the Maldives to be alert and not carry any package, baggage, or item on behalf of others under any circumstances without being absolutely sure of the contents.
