High Court overturns release of man accused of using a drone to smuggle drugs into Maafushi Prison

The High Court on Thursday ruled that the man accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into Maafushi Prison using a drone was released unlawfully by the Maafushi Magistrate’s Court.

The case concerns an incident two months ago in which a drone was used to transport narcotics weighing approximately 395.92 grams into Maafushi Prison. Police arrested a suspect in connection with the attempt, but the Magistrate’s Court later released him on conditions.

The Magistrate’s Court initially remanded the suspect for eight days, and later for nine days on a second remand. However, on 30 July 2026, the court ordered his conditional release. The Prosecutor General’s Office appealed the decision at the High Court.

According to submissions made by state prosecutors, the Magistrate’s Court released the suspect without providing legally required reasoning, contrary to the standards set by higher courts. Prosecutors argued that the suspect was accused of possessing trafficking-standard drugs at his residence and using a drone to smuggle narcotics into the prison. They further argued that he should have remained in custody due to the threat to public safety and the risk of evidence tampering.

The High Court unanimously found that the Magistrate’s Court had failed to consider key circumstances, including the quantity of drugs, the use of a drone, and the public-safety implications. The bench ruled that the lower court’s decision to release the suspect was legally unsound.

The High Court quashed the release order and instructed the Prosecutor General’s Office to file a fresh remand request at the Maafushi Magistrate’s Court within two days.