Police to be empowered to conduct drug raids without a warrant

A bill drafted by the Home Ministry to amend the Drug Act is designed to empower the police to conduct searches without a court warrant.

The bill states that based on probable cause, the police can enter and search properties without requiring a court warrant, if they get authorization from the commissioner of police.

The search can be conducted if the police are certain that the property holds a large quantity of drugs or is being used to pack drugs.

The police are required to video the entire operation non-stop from the moment they enter the property.

The police can also seize contraband they find from the property, but cannot use it as evidence in another case.

The following items can be seized as evidence:

• Evidence used to prove the commission of a criminal act
• Firearms
• Explosives

The bill also states that the responsibility of justifying the reason for the search falls on the police if it comes under dispute.

The bill also introduces capital punishment for smuggling over 500 grams of drugs into Maldives.