Addu drug bust: 8 released, including former footballer

Eight people, including former national football team star Shamweel Qasim has been released from police custody after being arrested in connection to a massive drug bust in Addu City last weekend. 

A total of 14 people were arrested from the operation where police seized 98.6 kg of drugs inbound to Addu City. 

Police media officials stated to Sun that the eight were released from custody due to no foreseeable reason to keep them detained. 

Those released include court-ordered detainees. Shamweel’s lawyer Ibrahim Shameel said to Sun that his client was also among the released after his court-ordered detention period expired. 

Shamweel was not arrested with drugs, his lawyers have previously said. He also does not have a criminal record of drugs. His exact connection to the drug bust remains unclear, as police have revealed very little information.

Shamweel had retired from his football career years ago. Back in his days, he was a household name. He is now more involved in fishing and is even contesting for a seat in the Addu Cty Council as an independent candidate.