Two arrested for intoxication at Hulhumale' Halfway House

Two men were arrested at the Halfway House rehabilitation centre in Hulhumale' on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs while undergoing treatment.

The suspects were identified as Ikleel Ibrahim, 42, from Kudahuvadhoo in Gaafu Alifu atoll, and Abdulla Shafiu, 33, from Mahibadhoo in Alifu Dhaalu atoll.

According to police, the pair were found during a search of the facility to be visibly intoxicated they were reportedly unable to sit properly and kept falling over. Both men later tested positive in urine screenings, Ikleel for opiates and benzodiazepines, and Abdulla for opiates.

The suspects admitted in court that they were drug users and said they needed treatment to overcome their addiction.

Ikleel, who has been arrested 27 times, told the court he was taking "psychiatric medication" and denied using drugs at the halfway house, arguing that the facility is monitored 24/7 by drug enforcement officers and CCTV cameras.

He said he had been at the centre for 30 days and was not found in possession of any illegal substances, despite the positive test.

Abdulla, who has 42 previous arrests, also denied using drugs at the facility but admitted to being a controlled drug user.

Police told the Criminal Court that the case was also filed by the National Drug Agency (NDA), which oversees the halfway house. They alleged that the two were under the influence of drugs, possibly through oral medication.

Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad ordered both men to be remanded in custody for 10 days.