High Court rejects state's appeal to overturn release of repeat drug offender

The High Court has decided not to accept the State's appeal challenging the Criminal Court's decision to release a man previously arrested in a major drug case, who was recently arrested again for a similar offense.

Ali Anwar Mohamed from S. Hithadhoo, Cozy Corner, was arrested last month during a drug operation. He is known for his previous arrest in 2019 in connection with the importation of 70 kg of narcotics from an Iranian vessel to the Maldives.

After Ali Anwar's arrest last month, the Criminal Court ordered his release. Following his release, he traveled to Sri Lanka but was reportedly denied entry and sent back. Upon his return, Maldivian police re-arrested him.

The High Court today decided not to accept the State's appeal against the initial release order because the State failed to demonstrate how the Criminal Court's initial decision was in violation of the law, according to the High Court's ruling.

Despite the High Court's decision not to accept the appeal regarding the initial release, Ali Anwar is currently being held in custody under a subsequent order issued by the Criminal Court.