Man arrested in drug case remanded without basis, awaits fingerprint testing

Despite the lack of evidence to support his charges, a man arrested in a drug-related case from a boat was remanded in custody until the completion of fingerprint testing.

According to a court ruling issued by the Criminal Court, a 38-year-old Maldivian man was remanded in custody for 10 days until completion of the necessary investigative protocols with minimal supporting evidence. He was charged with drug possession, abuse and trafficking.

The presiding judge, Ali Nadheem stated that the accused was a crew member of the boat on which the drugs had been found. The drugs were hidden in a tin container, however it was not found in a designated personnel locker. The ruling also stated that the accused had been arrested from Maafannu and that he denied the accusations.

Maldives Police Service presented an intelligence report and a statement of a police officer as evidence against the accused. Additionally, the court stated that the police statement proved no connection between the drugs and the accused.

The court ruled that since the presented evidence lacked proper basis for extending the remand period, the accused shall be released, should no additional evidence come to light in the case.

Furthermore, Judge Nadheem stated that since the investigating officers have asked for 10 days to complete the fingerprint testing, the accused will remain in custody until the results confirm otherwise.