Flick knives, butterfly knives to need import authorization, use by authorized individual alone

Regulations under the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act now stipulates that flick knives and butterfly knives, frequently used in violent crimes, can only be brought in to the Maldives after seeking special permits. 

The regulations set in place by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology defines the conditions on importing these two kinds of knives, records on individuals seeking to bring in such knives, and maintaining records of such knives. 

The Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act was ratified on May 25 and came into effect yesterday. As per the Act, it is an offense to sell knives to children under the age of 18, punishable by a fine of up to MVR 100,000. 

As per the regulations made under this Act, a flick knife is a folded knife where the blade automatically opens, or can be extended through either gravity or by pressing a button or other on the knife. Butterfly knives are defined as a folded knife with two handles counter-rotating around the tang, where when closed, the blade is fitted in to grooves in the handles of the knife. 

These two types of knives can now be brought in to the Maldives only through acquiring permits from the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. When applying for the permit, an administrative fee of MVR 1000 will be charged, and the ministry is to notify a decision to the applicant within 15 days. 

In the instance that the import of the product requires additional permits under separate laws, then this too, must be obtained. If the objects are brought in without obtaining necessary permits, Customs can seize the objects and can forward the matter to Police for investigation. 

The regulation also says that if Police discover such an item brought in without necessary permits, then the Police can detain the individual immediately. 

With the new regulations coming into effect, the previous Regulation on Importing Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects is now void. Objects brought in under this previous regulation must be registered under the new regulation within six months. 

Under the new Act, once a gang leader or gang member is identified, certain exchanges with such persons, or registering clubs and organizations under their names is prohibited. Photos and identifying details of gang leaders and members must be publicized so as to make the public and countries with diplomatic relations with Maldives aware. 

The Act also says that the list of gang members must be shared with State institutions and relevant law enforcement bodies of other countries, and must be reviewed every six months.