Youth claims 11 suspected drug packets found on him were ‘fake’

A young man arrested with 11 rubber packets suspected of containing drugs has claimed that the substances were "fake" and had been sold to him by another individual.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Mohamed Sadil Ibrahim, Snow Light, R. Dhuvaafaru, was arrested on suspicion of drug use and possession.

According to the court order, the arrest was made based on preliminary evidence presented against the suspect, including an incident report submitted by the Police.

The investigating officer at the scene stated that 11 rubber packets suspected of containing illicit drugs were seized from the suspect. The court order also noted that the suspect had admitted to being a drug user.

However, during court proceedings, the suspect claimed that the packets found in his possession contained counterfeit drugs. He said he had gone to the location specifically to find the individual who sold him the fake substances and maintained that he had voluntarily handed the packets over to the Police.

The court order also stated that the suspect had requested legal representation. He was informed that, in the absence of a lawyer, any statements made during the proceedings could be used against him and was reminded of his right to remain silent.

The court, on Sunday, remanded the suspect in custody for seven days, with the remand period set to expire on Sunday, November 8^th.

Drug-related offences have become increasingly prevalent in the Maldives, with a growing number of young people being detained on such charges, particularly in the Greater Malé area.