Drug dealer released illegally : Umar

Former Home Minister Umar Naseer | Photo: Mihaaru

Male’, Maldives – Former Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer has said that the release of an individual convicted of smuggling a large amount of drugs and serving a life sentence was done unlawfully.

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 years in prison, back in 2017.

However, local news outlet “Mihaaru” reports that they have confirmed his release from jail in July 2020.

Speaking on the matter, Umar Naseer said “The release of a man jailed in 2017 for smuggling 24 kilos of drugs has been done illegally, to save this country from drugs, leave political parties and come along with me”

Umar added that the drug abuse issue in Maldives can only be solved when efforts are made with integrity and courage.

There are reportedly ongoing efforts to release Ismail Moosa of G. Trust Home, who was also jailed for 25 years along with Sofwath for the same drug case. For unknown reasons, The Ministry of Home Affairs and The Maldives Correctional Service have kept quiet on the matter.