Most prisoners brought in over theft and drugs: Corrections

Inmates at Maafushi Prison attending a course session | Photo: Maldives Correctional Service

Male’, Maldives – Maldives Correctional Services (MCS) has said that most inmates admitted into prisons during the month of October were over matters pertaining to drugs and theft.

According to reports publicized by the MCS, 46 individuals were imprisoned across various jails in the country last month.

One third of of these individuals were jailed for various drug related charges and the same number of imamates were also locked up for stealing. In addition, 10.2% of inamtes were brought in for trespassing and 5.1% inmates are in for corruption .There are also criminals jailed for child sex offences, criminal breach of trust, and deception, as well as failing to obey orders.

While 39 people were convicted last month, 7 individuals have been jailed until court proceedings are completed.

Statistics on Maldives Police Service’s website reveals that the institution received 312 complaints regarding theft in October, while drug related complaints are much lower at 125 during the same time frame. Both these numbers are lower than their corresponding values during the same month in 2019.

The site also reveals that at 2942 cases, theft is the highest reported crime in 2020. Road accidents and drugs have the next highest number of cases at 1104 and 1158 respectively.