A man convicted of trafficking diamorphine has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, a sentence treated as life imprisonment, and fined MVR100,000.

Ali Shazeen, 35, of Nooreege, Gaafu Dhaalu Gaddhoo, was convicted of drug trafficking and carrying out an activity without a permit.

The case was initially filed at the Gaddhoo Magistrate’s Court on August 10, 2021. The investigation was completed and the charges were sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office on September 1 of the same year.

Police said suspected drugs and liquor were recovered during a search of an area in Gaafu Dhaalu Gan, located in front of Gaddhoo, that Shazeen allegedly used for farming. The search was conducted in connection with allegations that the area was used to store and traffic drugs.

The court found Shazeen guilty of both charges.