Man who claimed drugs ‘to protect friend’s dad’ receives life sentence

A man who said he claimed ownership of drugs seized by police in a counter-narcotics operation to protect his friend’s father has been issued the life sentence.

Ajwad Mohamed, Noomathi, GDh. Dhevvadhoo, was issued the life sentence by the Criminal Court after he was found guilty of trafficking diamorphine.

However, the drugs hadn’t been found on Ajwad. They were found inside the pockets of a man on board the speedboat Seaview Speed. The man was carrying four packets of drugs – which collectively weighed 19.96 grams.

During the investigation, Ajwad claimed the drugs belonged to him. However, he later retracted his statement and claimed he made the false confession to protect the father of a friend.

Ajwad plead guilty to the charge again during trial.

Judge Hassan Saeed found Ajwad guilty of the charge based on his confession, and issued him the life sentence.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of MVR 200,000 within one year.