The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

High Court remands PNC’s drug trafficking suspect released by Criminal Court

Shahudha Mohamed
18 November 2020, MVT 19:13
High Court of Maldives. PHOTO: MIHAARU
Shahudha Mohamed
18 November 2020, MVT 19:13

The High Court, on Wednesday, overturned the Criminal Court’s decision to release suspended Progressive National Congress (PNC)'s Council Member Shaheeb Ibrahim, arrested over a drug trafficking case, involving 130 kilograms of illegal substances.

Police had earlier stated that Shaheeb was released after requesting for an extension on his remand, and in light of new evidence submitted to the court.

According to the High Court, the Criminal Court’s decision to release Shaheeb go against the rules of Sharia as well as the Maldivian constitution.

Therefore, the High Court ordered authorities to remand Shaheeb in prison till the end of his trial, from November 18 onwards.

Law enforcement noted that 130kg of narcotics were seized aboard a fishing vessel, intercepted at sea during an operation initiated on the basis of internally collected intelligence.

Police confirmed Shaheeb as one of two individuals that orchestrated the recent smuggling attempt.

Authorities also accuse Shaheeb of falsely using an Iranian vessel seized by Police earlier in November 2019.

The boat, which was initially seized with 70kg of narcotics, was handed over to Shaheeb to transport the vessel abroad but was later reported as capsized. However, various media reports have confirmed that the vessel is currently stored at the shipyard in Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll, undergoing renovation.

He is known to be involved in political activities of the opposition alliance and had contested for a seat during the previous parliamentary election.

Share this story

Related Stories

Discuss

MORE ON NEWS