Iranian national detained on drug trafficking charges passes away

An Iranian national detained under drug trafficking charges has passed away.

The individual has been named as Rahumathullah (49) and was receiving treatment for cancer, according to Maldives Correctional Services. The individual passed away around 23:49 last night.

Corrections said that the individual was receiving long term treatment for cancer and had been jailed in connection with drug trafficking charges, where he was remanded in custody pending the outcome of his trial. 

Rahumathullah was detained from an Iranian boat captured in Maldivian waters in May last year. The boat was captured 126 miles west of B. Atoll. Drugs were found on the boat. Six other crew members of the boat still remain in custody.