100kg drug bust: Charges pressed against all 10 suspects

Charges have been pressed against all 10 suspects implicated in trafficking over 100 kilograms of drugs into the country back in October.

The 10 suspects were arrested 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 only disclosed the identities of eight of the suspects as two were released by the Court; two who they believe to be ringleaders of the drug trafficking operation. However, Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has pressed charges against all 10 suspects arrested in connection to the case.

Three charges have been raised in connection to the case by PGO. In this regard, eight suspects involved have been charged with trafficking diamorphine. They are:

• Juman Musthafa, 19, Beach Heaven, N. Velidhoo
• Ibrahim Zaidh Habeeb, 25, Sosunge, GA. Kolamaafushi
• Mohamed Ahmed, 34, Janavareemaage, L. Kalaidhoo
• Ibrahim Sinaan, 24, Dear Friend, HDh. Kumundhoo
• Mohamed Hussain, 61, Polaris, Dh. Bandidhoo
• MD Rafeegul Islam, 35, Bangladesh
• DM Mobin, 24, Bangladesh
• Ahmed Mahir, Sweetmead, K. Maafushi

Five suspects have also been charged with using cannabis; including those the Police believe to be ringleaders of the drug trafficking operation. They are:

• Juman Musthafa, 19, Beach Heaven, N. Velidhoo
• Mohamed Ahmed, 34, Janavareemaage, L. Kalaidhoo
• MD Rafeegul Islam, 35, Bangladesh
• Midhuhath Ibrahim 26, Dheyliyaage, GA. Dhevvadhoo
• Ahmed Siruhaan Shameem, Zaheera Manzil, M. Kolhufushi

Mohamed Hussain, 61, Polaris, Dh. Bandidhoo, has also been charged with using diamorphine.

Although Police made 10 arrests in connection to the case – the Criminal Court only remanded eight of the suspects in custody. Subsequently, two, who the Police suspected to be ringleaders of the drug trafficking operation were released.

As of December 11 – only five suspects from the eight remanded remained in custody; two Bangladeshis and three Maldivians.

The three Maldivian suspects were suspected by police of transporting the drugs to Bodukaashihura on a liveaboard vessel.

However, the Criminal Court denied the request for an extension to their remand period and ordered their release on December 12. Therefore, only the Bangladeshi suspects currently remain in custody.