Police officer imprisoned for phone smuggle attempt at Dhoonidhoo Custodial

A police officer has been sentenced to five months in prison for attempt to smuggle contraband into Dhoonidhoo Custodial.

Police were tipped off to the smuggle attempt by Anas Ali, Naais, L. Dhanbidhoo, on July 25, 2020.

The tip-off promoted the police to search Anas and found a battery for a basic Nokia mobile phone from the left pocket of his uniform’s jacket. The police searched the wardrobe in his quarters at Dhoonidhoo and found three SIM cards and a basic Nokia phone, along with 18 pieces of paper with requests for contraband from detainees.

Police found a second basic Nokia phone under his pillow.

Anas was charged with attempt to smuggle a contraband into a detention facility.

Anas denied the charge, claiming that though the contraband were found in his living quarters, he did not attempt to smuggle them into the facility.

However, another police officer stationed at Dhoonidhoo testified that he had been aware Anas smuggled contraband into the facility, and had had advised him against it as his friend.

Other police officers also testified against Anas.

However, he did not produce any witnesses in his defense.

Based on witness testimony, Criminal Court Judge found Anas guilty of the charge and sentenced him to five months and 19 days in prison on Sunday.