High Court Sentences Man to Life for Drug Smuggling in DHL Package
The High Court has handed down a life sentence to Ali Akbar Hassan, a resident of S. Hithadhoo, after convicting him for smuggling methamphetamine concealed in a package delivered through DHL. Alongside the life imprisonment, Hassan was also fined MVR 100,000, with the fine payable to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) within 12 months of the verdict issued on May 26.
The Case Background: From Acquittal to Conviction
Initially, the Criminal Court acquitted Hassan of major charges related to drug smuggling and use of a false identity, despite his admission to using cannabis. However, the State challenged the decision, appealing to the High Court, which ultimately overturned the earlier acquittal and convicted Hassan based on the totality of evidence.
The case centers on a package brought in via a Sri Lankan Airlines flight on March 4, 2021, which Customs flagged after an X-ray revealed suspicious concealed items inside a Cambridge Biological Science textbook. The textbook’s pages were hollowed out to hide the illegal substances.
Controlled Delivery Operation: A First for DHL Packages
In a groundbreaking move, Customs and Police conducted what is believed to be the first Controlled Delivery Operation involving a package shipped through DHL. Without opening the package, law enforcement monitored its progress closely.
Police officers, disguised in DHL uniforms, tracked the delivery to Hassan’s residence. While the package was addressed to a woman named ‘Haleemathul Ulfa’—a name and address later revealed to be falsified—Hassan personally came to collect it. Officers presented identification and requested Hassan’s ID, which he showed via a photo on his phone before signing for the package.
Upon revealing their identities, Police confronted Hassan, who initially denied ownership of the package and left it momentarily on a nearby shop wall. When opened in his presence, the package contained 2,000.198 grams of methamphetamine, carefully wrapped in carbon paper.
Evidence and Investigation Details
Investigators uncovered a chat log between Hassan and a DHL employee in which Hassan requested expedited delivery of the package, describing it as “very important.” He even offered a bribe of MVR 15,000 in exchange for swift service, a detail that heavily influenced the High Court’s judgment. The court found it illogical that such an amount would be offered for a package containing only a textbook.
Further complicating Hassan’s defense, the real Haleemathul Ulfa denied any knowledge of the package, the address, or the phone number linked to the delivery, and stated she did not know Hassan at all.
During the trial, Hassan argued that the Controlled Delivery operation was prematurely concluded when he received the package and suggested the package might belong to someone else. However, he never claimed to have accepted the package on behalf of another person. His silence during the investigation and refusal to comment on the package further weakened his position.
Sentencing and Legal Outcome
The High Court sentenced Hassan to life imprisonment for drug smuggling, in addition to 4 months and 24 days for using a false identity. The court also ordered his detention to begin on May 20, with Police instructed to hand him over to the Maldives Correctional Service.
This ruling highlights the government’s firm stance on drug trafficking, especially involving deceptive tactics such as using false identities and covert packaging methods.
What This Means for Drug Enforcement in Maldives
This case marks a significant milestone in Maldives’ fight against drug smuggling, demonstrating the effectiveness of controlled delivery operations and coordinated efforts between Customs and Police. It also sends a clear message that attempts to smuggle narcotics through international courier services will be met with severe consequences.
As the country continues to enhance its border security and investigative procedures, residents and visitors alike can expect more vigilant scrutiny of suspicious packages and a robust legal response to drug-related offenses.