Court extends remand of trio arrested with 1.7kg drugs, 230 vape cartridges

The Criminal Court on Friday extended the remand of three youths arrested in Male' with nearly two kilograms of suspected drugs and 230 vape cartridges by a further 30 days.

The suspects were identified as Hussain Shavin, 26, of Sunny Villa, K. Huraa; Maryam Isha Ashraf, 21, of Villa, Th. Thimarafushi; and Mohamed Nahil, 25, of Reysham, S. Hulhudhoo. This marks the fourth time the trio have been remanded in custody in connection with the case.

The three were arrested on September 3 during a police operation. Following their arrest, Isha and Shavin were remanded for 15 days, while Nahil was remanded for five days. After Nahil's initial remand expired on October 8, the court granted a further 10-day remand. The custody periods were subsequently extended, including a 20-day remand granted on October 19. On Friday, the Criminal Court ordered all three suspects to remain in custody for a further 30 days.

According to the court order, sufficient evidence has been submitted to support criminal charges against the suspects. The court cited police observations from the scene, drug analysis results, witness statements, a tenancy agreement, fingerprint identification findings, intelligence reports, Scene of Crime Office (SOCO) findings, and urine analysis results.

The order further stated that the premises where the drugs were recovered had been linked to the suspects and that the Prosecutor General's Office has accepted documents related to the case for prosecution.

The court noted the importance of forwarding the case to the Prosecutor General's Office as soon as possible to safeguard the suspects' constitutional right to a speedy prosecution and trial.

According to the order, drugs were recovered from the possession of Isha and Nahil. The court also noted that Shavin's fingerprints were found on packets containing suspected drugs. The order added that if the investigation is completed within the stipulated period, there would be no obstacle to transferring him to the custody of the Maldives Correctional Service to serve a sentence imposed by the Drug Court.

Police recovered 1.7 kilograms of suspected drugs during the operation. Officers also seized 230 vape cartridges, 26 bottles of vape liquid and a bottle of liquor from the residence.