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American woman deported; drug smuggling charges withdrawn

Anaan Bushry
23 March 2023, MVT 14:23
Anaan Bushry
23 March 2023, MVT 14:23

An American woman, who was arrested last year in connection with the smuggling of more than eight kilograms of drugs into the Maldives, has been deported after having the charges against her withdrawn.

In May last year, an American woman was arrested and charged with smuggling 1.87 kilograms of drugs via flight. She remained in custody pending trial.

However, the state has now withdrawn the case against her and decided to deport her. The Prosecutor General's Office said earlier this week that the decision to deport her was taken due to her health condition.

Immigration has recently passed a rule that allows foreigners who smuggle drugs into the Maldives to be deported without prosecution. Despite much public criticism, both the government and the PGO have defended the ruling.

Smuggling drugs into the country is an offense punishable with life imprisonment and a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million.

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