Despite huge drug cache, suspect released due to illegal search

The Criminal Court has ordered the release of a suspect arrested for drug trafficking despite his fingerprints being found on the drugs seized in the case, after it was discovered that the search that led to the discovery of the drugs was conducted in his absence.

The suspect, a 22-year-old man from Thaa Vilufushi, was arrested by police from Male’ City.

The police found a large quantity of drugs from two properties linked to him after arresting him under court order.

The suspect’s fingerprints were found in a plastic bag holding some of the drugs discovered in one of the apartments.

Though the suspect had been in police custody at the time, the police failed to take him with them when they conducted the search.

The Criminal Court found on Friday that the evidence discovered from the apartment therefore cannot be used against him.

Meanwhile, the court found the police failed to submit any evidence linking the the drugs found in the second apartment to the suspect.

The court noted that the police had only submitted an intelligence report, based on which the court had already extended the suspect’s remand twice.

The Criminal Court therefore ordered the suspect’s release, citing lack of evidence.