All Maldivian nationals who were arrested last October with 100 kg of drugs have been released.
The drugs were found in an uninhabited island, ADh. Bodukaashihuraa during a drug operation conducted by the police. On October 13, the police arrested ten suspects, out of which two were foreigners. When they were presented in front of a judge the next day to decide on their remand, the judge released two suspects whose identities were not revealed by the police. However, the police say the two suspects were the main suspects in smuggling the drugs into the Maldives. Although the police requested to appeal their release, the Prosecutor General's Office decided against it.
After that, on October 26, the Criminal Court released one of the suspects, 26-year-old Midh'hath Ibrahim, from Ga. Dhevvadhoo. Later on October 28, Ibrahim Sinan, 26, from HDh. Kumundoo and Ibrahim Zaid Habeeb, 25, from Ga. Kolamaafyshi were released. All three were released when presented before a judge to decide on their remand.
On Saturday, the Criminal Court released the remaining three Maldivian suspects: 19-year-old Juman Musthafa from N. Velidhoo, 34-year-old Mohamed Ahmed from L. Kalaidhoo, and 61-year-old Mohamed Hussain from Dh. Bandidhoo. They were released due to a lack of substantial evidence.
Citing some statements given to the police, a court order previously issued by the Criminal Court read that Juman and Mohamed Ahmed traveled a long distance on a safari and received several sacks from a foreign boat. However, the sacks were not found when the safari was searched, although a blue rope used to tie the sacks was found aboard the vessel.
The two suspects who remain in custody are MD Rahiqul Islam, 35, and DM Mobin, 24, from Bangladesh. AVAS has learned the court extended their remand. The police Saturday forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General's Office for charging.
