Key suspect in airport drug smuggling case released
It is learned that the luggage was brought by the Pakistani when he arrived in Maldives.
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By
Aishath Maha
A Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) employee, who was arrested for attempting to smuggle a luggage containing drugs from Velana International Airport has been granted conditional release by the Criminal Court.
The Criminal Court released him on conditions after he was taken to the court on Saturday for a decision on his remand.
Ali Hussain, Fehialige/H.Dh.Kulhudhuffushi, released on bail, is one of two employees that were arrested in connection with the case. He is reportedly a key suspect in the case. The conditions imposed on him are:
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Acquire written permission from the court if leaving the city
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Not committing another offence
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Appear in court at the times directed by the court
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No dealing or communication with any evidence or persons involved in the case
Ali Hussain has been charged with involvement in the trafficking of diamorphine and the trafficking of banned substances.
The incident occurred in mid-March last year. Police previously said:
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The luggage, which was attempted to smuggle out of the airport on March 15, contained more than 4.5 kg of heroin and meth
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Two MACL employees were arrested for trying to take the luggage out of Velana International Airport
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The man who went to receive the luggage and a Pakistani man were also arrested in the case
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A senior MACL employee, believed to be the most senior person involved in the case, was released after the employees were produced before the court on April 7
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He was released on condition despite there being "some evidence"
It is learned that the luggage was brought by the Pakistani when he arrived in Maldives.
A similar case emerged earlier last year, which was also investigated by the police. At the time, police had investigated the disappearance of two luggage cases that reportedly contained drugs from the airport.
