Shaheeb, arrested and released in connection with 130 kg of drugs, wanted again

Authorities are once more searching for Shaheeb Ibrahim, Lighthouse, GA. Villingili, the ringleader of a 2020 drug bust who was released on conditional bail.

Ibrahim, a former council member of the People's National Congress (PNC) was involved in a drug seizure of over 130 kilos from a yellowfin tuna fishing vessel docked at Hulhumale’.

Police said in an announcement on Saturday that Shaheeb was wanted to appear before the Criminal Court in connection with a case filed against him. Therefore, police are searching for the man in connection with an order issued against him to produce him in court, police said.

Police said Shaheeb was ordered to be remanded in custody and to be brought before the Criminal Court at 18:00 on Sunday.

Anyone with information about him is asked to contact the police custodial number 9991442.

The 130 kg of drug bust case

On October 12, 2020, police seized 130 kilograms of drugs from a yellowfin tuna fishing boat in Hulhumale' Bay.

Police arrested a total of seven people in connection to the case throughout October 2020 – including a 16-year-old boy. Police accused Shaheeb and Ahmed Moosa from Violetvilla, HA. Hoarafushi of being the ringleaders in the case.

The Criminal Court had first ordered Shaheeb to remain in custody till the end of the trial. The order was upheld despite the case being appealed to the High Court and the Supreme Court. However, on April 6, 2022, the Criminal Court released Shaheeb and Ahmed Moosa.

This Criminal Court ruling was made during a hearing held to review their remand, after both raised issues related to medical treatment. Presiding Judge Ahmed Shakeel granted release, citing the reason as the state’s failure to provide proper healthcare for them. He added that the state was previously given multiple opportunities to make arrangements for their medical treatment.

Both were released after setting conditions, for a period of two months.