2 suspects re-arrested in Fuvahmulah drug case
The individuals are Hassan Azim, 30, of Zamaneegé, Fuvahmulah, and Ahmed Niushad, 35, of Karankavila, Fuvahmulah.
Two individuals accused of leading a drug trafficking network in Fuvahmulah have been re-arrested under a court order.
Police said the arrests were carried out on Monday night due to concerns that the suspects may influence witnesses in an ongoing trial.
The individuals are Hassan Azim, 30, of Zamaneegé, Fuvahmulah, and Ahmed Niushad, 35, of Karankavila, Fuvahmulah.
They were first arrested in December 2024 during a police operation targeting drug trafficking and use in Fuvahmulah.
Following their arrest, the suspects were charged and remanded in custody. The High Court later ordered their release in January 2025.
In a statement, police said the two were taken back into custody on 30 March 2026 under a court order based on grounds that they could influence witnesses.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed charges at the Criminal Court, including trafficking in a prohibited narcotic substance, participation in an organised criminal group and money laundering.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has also requested the court to confiscate MVR 1.1 million and other assets linked to the case.
In a related case, another individual connected to the same network was sentenced in February to 75 years in prison after being found with more than MVR 3 million.
