Nepalese woman arrested with trafficking‑level drugs remanded in custody for 30 days

The remand of a 21‑year‑old Nepalese woman arrested in Male' on suspicion of drug trafficking has been extended for another 30 days.

The suspect, identified as Nisha Raai, was arrested on the 17th of last month after police found drugs in quantities that meet trafficking thresholds inside her apartment. Police also recovered equipment used to weigh and seal drugs, according to the remand order.

Her remand was initially extended twice for one day each, followed by a five‑day extension. On Sunday, the Criminal Court ordered that she remain in custody for 30 days.

The court said the state had submitted sufficient evidence linking her to the alleged offence. Police recovered 230 grams of cannabis and 141 grams of heroin from her apartment.

During earlier hearings, Raai told the court she wished to appoint her own lawyer. However, at Sunday’s hearing, she requested state‑appointed counsel.

When she was first produced in court, the Maldives Police Service’s information officer confirmed she was an irregular immigrant.

Three Maldivian men have also been arrested in connection with the case:

• Hassan Anas, 22  

• Moosa Shaheem, 22  

• Hussain Sharwan, 25

Moosa Shaheem and Hussain Sharwan were remanded for 16 days on the 23rd of last month, while Hassan Anas was remanded for 15 days last Friday. All suspects remain in custody.

The Maldives has a large foreign population, including many irregular migrants. The government is currently working to register all foreign nationals and regularize undocumented individuals.