The Prosecutor General's Office (PG Office) has advised Police to release Ali Nadheem (Milo Nadhama) and six others who were arrested on suspicion of being involved in large-scale drug trafficking in Addu, citing insufficient evidence.
The suspects were arrested in November last year, accused of being involved in the illegal drug trade since 2017, and laundering millions in proceeds.
Their last remand extension expired yesterday.
PG Office released a statement saying Nadheem, of Konmuli, S. Hithadhoo and the six others arrested alongside him are accused of involvement in a criminal organization, money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act.
Others arrested alongside Nadheem
- Ibrahim Siraj, Veyofeheburuge, S. Hithadhoo
- Hassan Alfaaf, Dhorufothimaage, S. Hithadhoo
- Ameen Mohamed, Kekurimaage, S. Hithadhoo
- Salam Saeed, Lobstum, S. Hithadhoo
- Hafiz Fauzy, Falah, S. Hithadhoo
- Zahuna Ahmed, Anbareege, Dh. Hulhudheli
The PG Office said at the end of the investigation period, the evidence gathered is insufficient to support charges of involvement in a criminal organization and money laundering to the extent defined in the law.
The PG Office stated that the Article 94(g) of the Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that if sufficient evidence is not gathered by the end of the maximum allowed investigation period, then the suspects must be released. Based on this, they advised Police to release the seven individuals.
PG Office said that although the case is declined at present due to insufficient evidence, they can be charged at a later date should new evidence come to light.
Police have earlier revealed to media that this drug network in Hithadhoo had circulated over MVR 19 million through the accounts of four individuals over a period of five years.
Until his arrest, Nadheem was serving as a Senior Political Director at the Sports Ministry. He was dismissed following his arrest.
