Suspects in 24 kg drugs case granted one month to appoint lawyers

Criminal court has given one month’s time to the two men accused of smuggling 24 kilograms of drugs into the country aided by foreign accomplices, to appoint lawyers.

At today’s hearing, the judge stated that even though he is granting one month’s time, if lawyers are appointed sooner, the Court will proceed with the trial.

The two men accused in this case are Abdulla Sofwath, H. Ever Peace, Male’; and Ismail Moosa, G. Trust Home, Male’.

At today’s session, Sofwath said that despite the fact that the police gave him the opportunity to call his family and arrange a lawyer, he faced difficulties in doing so as his brother was busy and his mother was unwell. He also said that he needed additional time to get himself a lawyer.

Ismail Moosa said that he has requested his family to appoint him a lawyer but has not received any response. Both of them have requested the assistance of the state in appointing lawyers.

The judge said that this was the third time that they were being given the opportunity to appoint lawyers, and the court will not take responsibility for delays in the proceedings due to this issue.

Presenting the charges at the previous hearing, the state attorney said that the two suspects had smuggled drugs into the country around 9:30 p.m. on 10 March 2014.

An Iranian boat smuggled 24 kilograms of drugs into the Maldives concealed in fibreglass in a small dinghy. The police arrested the men as they came into the harbor of Hulhumale’ after picking up the drugs from the Iranian vessel.

The police also arrested 11 Pakistanis who were on the Iranian vessel. However, after the investigation was completed, they were deported due to lack of evidence.

In addition to this charge, Ismail Moosa also faces charges in relation to use of drugs and possession of pornographic material, which were also brought up at today’s hearing.

Ismail Moosa has appointed a lawyer to represent him regarding these charges, which he denied in court today.

His defense lawyer said that defense could only be presented after he receives the documents on these charges, which have still not been provided by the court.

The judge concluded today’s hearing with the announcement that the next hearing on these two counts will be held on 28 September.