Man sentenced to 100 years in prison for growing cannabis, drug possession

Criminal Court has sentenced a man to 100 years in prison for growing cannabis plants in his home and possession of additional drugs.

Ahmed Yasih from N. Kendhikulhudhoo was pressed with four charges in connection with the case: manufacturing drugs, diamorphine trafficking, cannabis trafficking and drug trafficking.

According to the charges, on May 13, 2023, a member of the public filed a police report after noticing a plant suspected to be marijuana. Police officers responded to the reported location at G. Riminy, the residence of Yasih, where they observed the suspected cannabis plant. The officers remained at the scene until Yasih returned, at which point he confirmed that the plant was marijuana and stated that there were additional plants inside his home.

The Police conducted a search of his apartment, during which four cannabis plants were found on the balcony and two additional cannabis plants were discovered inside his room. They also seized more than 300 grams of various types of drugs from the apartment.

Although the charge sheet stated otherwise, Yasih argued during the trial that it is “unusual” for him to claim ownership of the plants and voluntarily allow police to enter his apartment.

However, the Criminal Court found him guilty on all four charges in a ruling delivered on December 31. The judgment noted that cannabis plants are not naturally available in the Maldives and stated that Yasih failed to explain how he came into possession of the items or the purpose of cultivating the plants.

He was sentenced to a total of 100 years in prison, receiving 25 years for each of the four charges, and was fined MVR 400,000, equivalent to MVR 100,000 per charge.

Yasih spent two years and seven months in custody during the investigation and trial. After deducting this period, he is required to serve the remaining 98 years of his sentence.