Man sentenced to 12 years and fined MVR 100,000 for trafficking cannabis

A 31‑year‑old Maldivian man has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in jail and fined MVR 100,000 after being convicted of trafficking cannabis.

Hamdhoon Ahmed, Municipal 2069, Male', was arrested on 7 February 2024 on suspicion of drug use, possession, and trafficking. According to the Criminal Court, he was taken into custody at 10:24 pm following a tip‑off that he and others were dealing drugs from his residence.

Police searched the apartment and seized 208 grams of cannabis.

Hamdhoon initially pleaded not guilty but later sought a plea agreement during witness testimony. The Prosecutor General’s Office submitted the agreement on 25 March last year, under which he admitted to the trafficking charge.

The court sentenced him to 12 years and six months in prison. However, after deducting the two years, one month, and 18 days he had already spent in custody, Hamdhoon is required to serve nine years, 10 months, and 12 days.

Judge Ibrahim Zihni delivered the verdict. The court also ruled that the trafficking charge against his alleged accomplice, Aishath Athifa of Canary, Hithadhoo, Addu City, will be heard separately.