Fuvahmulah drug network leaders remanded in custody after re-arrest
The suspects were re-arrested under a court order due to concerns that they may influence witnesses in the ongoing case.
Two individuals accused of involvement in a drug trafficking network in Fuvahmulah have been remanded in custody pending the conclusion of their trial following their re-arrest on Monday.
The suspects, Hassan Azim (30) of Zamaaneege, Fuvahmulah, and Ahmed Niushad (35) of Karankavila, Fuvahmulah, were first arrested in December 2024 during a police operation targeting drug trafficking and related activities in the island.
After being charged, both individuals were held in custody. The High Court later ordered their release in January 2025.
According to the Maldives Police Service, the suspects were re-arrested under a court order due to concerns that they may influence witnesses in the ongoing case.
Police stated on Tuesday that the court ordered both individuals to be held in custody until the conclusion of the trial following a bail hearing.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that the re-arrest was made after the suspects violated conditions set by the court at the time of their release.
Charges filed at the Criminal Court include trafficking of a controlled substance, participation in an organised criminal group, and money laundering.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has also sought the forfeiture of MVR 1.1 million in proceeds and assets linked to the case.
In a related case, another individual connected to the network was sentenced to 75 years in prison in February after being found in possession of over MVR 3 million in funds linked to drug activities.
