Court extends remand of 3 suspects arrested in 100kg drug bust

(From L-R) Mohamed Ahmed, 34; Ibrahim Zaid Habeeb, 25; and Juman Musthafa, 19. (Photo/Maldives Police Service)

Criminal Court has granted extensions to the remand period of three suspects arrested by police in a counter-narcotics operation two weeks back which saw the seizure of over 100 kilograms of heroin.

Police arrested 10 suspects on October 13, after a 24-hour counter-drug trafficking operation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Drug Intelligence, Marine Police, and Forensics Department.

Police have released the identities of eight suspects arrested in the operation. They are:

Juman Musthafa, 19, Beach Heaven, N. Velidhoo

Ibrahim Zaid Habeeb, 25, Sosunge, GA. Kolamaafushi

Mohamed Ahmed, 34, Janavareemaage, L. Kalaidhoo

Ibrahim Sinan, 24, Dear Friend, HDh. Kumundhoo

Mohamed Hussain, 61, Polaris, Dh. Bandidhoo

MD Rafeegul Islam, 35, Bangladesh

DM Mobin, 24, Bangladesh

Midhuhath Ibrahim 26, Dheyliyaage, GA. Dhevvadhoo

The two additional suspects who were arrested – who the police believe to be ringleaders of the drug trafficking operation – were released from police custody by the Criminal Court when presented before the court for their first remand hearing.

A third suspect - Midhuhath – was released when presented before the court for an extension to his remand on Tuesday, citing lack of sufficient evidence to keep him further detained.

However, the court granted a 15-day extension to the remand period for Juman and Mohamed Ahmed, and a 5-day extension to the remand period for Zaid.

There are therefore currently only seven out of 10 suspects orginally arrested in the case in police custody.