Malé, Maldives – The Criminal Court of Maldives has released all the Maldivians arrested in connection with the joint counter-narcotics trafficking operation on October 14, while remanding two Bangladeshi citizens to custody.
Of the 10 individuals were arrested regarding the 100kg heroin bust, 5 remained in custody as of today’s hearing.
The Court released Juman Musthafa (19), Mohamed Ahmed (34) and Mohamed Hussain (61) due to insufficient evidence connecting the individuals to the drugs seized.
Two Bangladeshi nationals, MD Rafiqul Islam (35) and DM Mobin (24) were remanded to 10 additional days in custody.
Two major players whose identities were withheld by the police were released at earlier stages of investigation by the courts with the Prosecutor General’s Office deciding against an appeal.
Following this, on 26 and 28 October 2021, Midhuhath Ibrahim (26), Dheyliyaage, GA. Dhevvadhoo and Ibrahim Zaidh Habeeb (25), Sosunge, GA. Kolamaafushi, Ibrahim Sinaan (24), Dear Friend, HDh. Kumundhoo were released from the courts respectively.
On October 14 a joint drug bust carried out by officers from Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Drug Intelligence, Marine Police & Forensics resulted in the seizure of 100kgs of heroin. Maldives Police searched 10 locations in the Maldives in 24 hours during the raid.
