Shaheeb Ibrahim convicted in drug smuggling case; sentenced to life

Shaheeb Ibrahim, one of the accused in a drug smuggling case has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The case involved the smuggling of 130 kilograms of drugs into Maldives using a fishing vessel by a group of seven individuals, including Shaheeb. Initially, all seven were remanded in custody until the conclusion of the trial. However, some of them were later released prior to the final hearing.

In the final hearing held at the Criminal Court, all seven accused were found guilty.

In addition to Shaheeb, the convicted include Ahmed Moosa; Aseel Mahir of Dhunfinige, GA. Villingili; Anas Hussain of Sell, Lh. Hinnavaru; and two Bangladeshi nationals, Iqbal and Mohamed Riyad.

An 18-year-old involved in the case was also prosecuted, but the Juvenile Court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict him.

Shaheeb and Ahmed Moosa were prosecuted on two counts: drug trafficking and smuggling drugs into Maldives.

Shaheeb, who was convicted in connection with the largest drug-related case in the country, initially evaded authorities and refused to appear in court. Police issued a public notice requesting help in locating him. He eventually surrendered after his wife was arrested for allegedly aiding in his evasion.

Although Shaheeb’s wife, Aishath Waheedha (M. Karadhuburige), has since been released from custody, authorities have confirmed that the charges on which she was arrested still stand and will be investigated and prosecuted.

Criminal Court issued an order stating that she had assisted her husband in evading capture. Shaheeb turned himself in following her arrest. Since he was wanted to issue a final verdict, he was taken into custody without a remand hearing.

After his surrender, police released his wife, but confirmed that the investigation into her alleged involvement is ongoing.