Male’, Maldives – Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday revealed that a missing Maldivian man believed to be involved in an international drug trafficking ring, approached the Maldivian Embassy in Pakistan after his visa expired.
As per the ministry, their records show that Misbah Mohamed, who was reported missing by his family, went to the embassy located in Islamabad, in March. During this visit, he said that he overstayed his visa.
Speaking to local media ‘Mihaaru’, Foreign Ministry’s Communication Director Miuvan Mohamed stated that the embassy explained to Misbah the procedure to be followed after the visa expires.
Miuvan noted that he did not attempt to seek any further assistance, nor did he make any indication that he was in any kind of trouble.
Additionally, Miuvan said that it was the norm for Maldivians to visit the embassy to get information, and Misbah’s visit was not flagged at the time as it was not known he was missing.
Police in May appealed to the public seeking assistance in locating the 25-year old, who was missing since April.
The authority has now revealed that they suspect Misbah was held by an international drug network as a collatral for payment for 72 kilograms of drugs.
The drugs were smuggled by Irufan Thagiyyu, with whom Misbah travelled to Dubai on November 11, 2020, on Fly Dubai. Immigration records show that Irufan flew back to Maldives on November 22, 2020, meanwhile, Misbah went to Pakistan on the following day.
After Police received intelligence of drugs being smuggled into Maldives, and during an operation conducted, they were able to confiscate over 72 kilograms from a trunk of a car in capital Male’.
Prosecutor General pressed charges against 10 people on February 14, 2021, who were arrested in relation to the case.
