Male’, Maldives – A person given a life sentence and jailed in 2017 on drug distribution charges has been revealed to have been released in July 2020.
Abdhullah Sofwath, of H.Everpeace was convicted of smuggling 24 kilograms of drugs with a street value of MVR 100 million and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, back in 2017.
However, local news outlet “Mihaaru” reports that they have confirmed his release from jail.
The drugs in question were confiscated in 2014, after a lengthy maritime operation by the Maldives Police Service. The drugs were reported to be found hidden in a dinghy brought in by a Iranian vessel and was the largest drug bust in the Maldives at that time.
While the constitution of Maldives disallows pardons for individuals convicted of drug distribution, it does allow for sentences to be reduced. The Maldives Correctional Service has refused to comment on Sofwath’s release.
Mihaaru also reported that there are ongoing efforts to release Ismail Moose of G. Trust Home, who was also jailed for 25 years along with Sofwath for the same drug case. 18 others suspected of involvement were arrested but later released due to insufficient evidence.
