Policeman who claims he never took oath faces life sentence

The police officer who denied taking his oath as a member of the police force has been charged with drug trafficking.

Mohamed Sajid, a police constable stationed in GDh. Thinadhoo, was arrested after police found narcotics during a search initiated on suspicion of e-cigarette possession. The Prosecutor General's (PG) Office confirmed the drug trafficking charge.

If convicted, Sajid faces life imprisonment and a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million.

Sajid, who began working as a special constabulary constable on May 7 of this year, was suspended following his arrest. A search of his residence and motorcycle yielded a significant quantity of tobacco, vapes, vape cartridges, and approximately 191.92 grams of suspected drugs. The Thinadhoo Magistrate Court initially ordered his release, citing issues with his arrest warrant.

The prosecution appealed Sajid's release in the High Court. During this hearing on August 7, Sajid's lawyer claimed his client was not an officer under oath.

Judges rejected Sajid's assertion of not being a police member, deeming it unacceptable given his participation in the oath ceremony, period of service, and salary. The High Court ruled he committed perjury, necessitating a penalty. He was subsequently re-arrested and detained for 20 days.

Sajid appealed his detention with the Supreme Court on August 30, but the court’s registry now indicates the case has been dropped at his request.