Suspected drug lord released again

Ali Anwar Mohamed, previously accused of leading a major drug trafficking operation, has been released once again, this time due to procedural violations by police during his arrest and search.

Ali Anwar, of Cozy Corner, Hithadhoo, was arrested last week near the Dhiraagu headquarters under a court order. However, after his five-day remand expired, Criminal Court Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad released him without conditions. The judge cited that police had violated procedures by conducting a search of his premises after the arrest, despite having a warrant. No evidence was recovered during the search.

Ali Anwar was previously arrested in October 2019 in connection with the seizure of 70 kilograms of drugs aboard the Iranian vessel Al-Shaban, intercepted 172 nautical miles northwest of Thuraakunu. The operation led to the detention of five Maldivians, six Iranians, and two Bangladeshis. Police identified Ali Anwar as one of three key suspects in the case, alongside Ahmed Shakeeb and Mohamed Rishfan.

Records show that the Prosecutor General’s Office later withdrew charges related to the Iranian vessel. His latest release comes amid growing scrutiny over the handling of high-profile drug cases. In recent months, a separate case involving 61 kilograms of drugs was withdrawn at the prosecution’s request, while another case involving 72 kilograms was dismissed due to non-payment of the appeal fee.

The repeated collapse of major drug cases has raised concerns about procedural integrity and accountability within law enforcement and the judicial system.