Court issues first-ever order to shut down drug cafe
In a landmark ruling under the amended Drug Act, the Criminal Court has ordered the closure of a "drug cafe" in Male' for 90 days for the first time. The order to shut down H. Gunzar was issued at the request of the Maldives Police Service, marking the first use of new judicial powers to shutter premises used for illicit drug activities. While operators of such establishments face heavy fines and prison sentences, police have warned that strict legal action will also be taken against any individuals who violate the court order by entering or exiting the cordoned property.
Police set up a stall to showcase the typical environment and operations of drug dens. | police media
The Criminal Court has issued its first-ever order to shut down a "drug cafe"—a premises used for the consumption of illicit substances—under the provisions of the Drugs Act.
This marks the first order issued under a recent legislative amendment that grants courts the authority to shut down premises used for drug-related activities.
The Criminal Court has issued an order to close the premises of H. Gunzar in Male'. According to the court order, the property must remain closed for a 90-day period effective from May 5, 2026. The order was issued following a request by the police.
Amendments to the Drugs Act, which came into effect on March 7, 2024, grant police the authority to issue 24-hour closure notices for premises used for drug consumption. Furthermore, the legislation empowers the courts to issue orders extending the closure of such premises for a maximum duration of three months.
Under the Drugs Act, providing services for drug consumption is a criminal offense punishable by a five-year prison sentence and a fine of up to MVR 100,000. Furthermore, the law stipulates that any owner, tenant, or person in charge of a premises who knowingly permits or allows the property to be used for drug-related services shall be held liable for a criminal offense.
Unauthorized entry or exit from premises cordoned off under a court order remains a criminal offense for the duration of the order. Police have stated that they will take the strictest possible legal action against individuals who enter such locations without permission or cause any form of damage to the property.
