Charges brought against man arrested with drugs from Milandhoo, faces life sentence

Ahmed Nasir, Nafaa, Sh. Milandhoo, has been charged with trafficking diamorphine following his arrest on suspicion of trafficking narcotics into Sh. Milandhoo and its sale.

According to Police, Nasir was arrested on May 7th. During a police operation conducted in the vicinity of the Milandhoo harbour, officers reportedly discovered two packets containing substances suspected to be illegal drugs in his possession.

The charge of trafficking in diamorphine carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction. Pursuant to the Maldives Drugs Act, an individual found to be in possession of, or engaged in the trafficking of, four grams or more of diamorphine is deemed to have committed the offence of trafficking.

The court ruling detailed that the total quantity of drugs allegedly seized from Nasir amounted to 61.1205 grams. Pursuant to Section 108(b) of the Drugs Act, the offence of trafficking in diamorphine is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 25 years and a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10,000,000.

Nasir remains in custody pending the conclusion of the trial. Although he sought a review of his detention order, the Milandhoo Magistrate Court ruled this week that there were no grounds to alter his existing remand status.

The court ruling states that the trafficking charge was formally brought after 61.1205 grams of suspected diamorphine were allegedly discovered in a box in Nasir’s possession. The state opposed his conditional release, arguing that his release would constitute a potential threat to public safety. It further submitted that, as the case remains at its preliminary stages and witness testimonies have yet to be recorded, there remains a substantial risk of witness interference or the destruction of evidence.

The court ultimately upheld the order requiring Nasir to remain in detention until the conclusion of the trial, noting that there had been no material change in the circumstances or evidentiary basis that had initially justified his remand under the Criminal Procedure Act.