Court seeks whereabouts of Shaheeb in relation to 130kg drug smuggling case

Police have confirmed that Shaheeb Ibrahim, the prime accused in a case involving the smuggling of 130 kilograms of drugs into Maldives, is currently wanted by the court for his hearing. Despite a court order for his arrest, police say they have been unable to locate him.

Authorities have confirmed that he is banned from leaving the country.

According to police, the drugs were smuggled into the Maldives in 2020 via a fishing vessel operated by a group led by Shaheeb and Ahmed Moosa of Violet Villa, HA. Hoarafushi.

Shaheeb, 47, was initially held in custody pending trial but was later released in 2023. Prior to that, he had been temporarily released for medical reasons. However, that medical release order was appealed and overturned, resulting in his re-arrest.

In total, six individuals are being prosecuted in connection with the 130kg drug smuggling case. Alongside Shaheeb, the accused include; Ahmed Moosa, Aseel Mahir of Dhunfinige, GA. Vilingili, Anas Hussain of Sell, Lh. Hinnavaru, two Bangladeshi nationals, Iqbal and Mohamed Riyad.

Shaheeb is also a suspect in a separate 2019 drug smuggling case involving a boat disguised as a drifting vessel.

Additionally, police have linked him to a high-profile incident in November 2019, when an Iranian ship suspected of drug trafficking was seized. Shaheeb was arrested along with seven Iranians aboard the vessel, although all were later released by court order.

Shaheeb is known to be a former political activist affiliated with the then opposition coalition PPM/PNC. He previously contested the 19th parliamentary elections representing GA. Vilingili.

Shaheeb is known to be a political activist affiliated with the opposition coalition PPM/PNC. He previously contested the 19th parliamentary elections representing GA. Vilingili.