Life sentence handed down in 5 kg drug smuggling case

A Pakistani national has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of attempting to smuggle 5 kilograms of drugs into the Maldives through Velana International Airport.

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by the Criminal Court.

According to court records, on 12 March 2024 customs officers searched luggage belonging to Abdul Latheef Baloch, a Pakistani national, in his presence and discovered 5 kilograms of drugs concealed in a black bag.

Baloch had arrived in the Maldives on a Qatar Airways flight. He was charged with trafficking in Schedule I drugs and pleaded not guilty.

In its judgment, the court stated that although the bag had been left at the luggage belt, it carried a baggage tag bearing Baloch’s name, establishing that the luggage had been checked in by him. The court held him responsible for the drugs found inside.

The court noted that Baloch has already spent one year, 11 months and 10 days in custody. After deducting time served, he is required to serve a further 23 years and 20 days in prison.

The court also ordered him to pay a fine of MVR 2 million within 12 months.