Three Drug Suspects Released with Electronic Monitoring in Place

Three individuals previously held in custody over drug-related charges have been released under electronic monitoring conditions, following a decision by the Criminal Court. The release is part of a growing effort to reduce prolonged pre-trial detentions while maintaining legal oversight.

Who Was Released?

Court documents confirm that the suspects released include:

  • Ibrahim Rashad (42) from M. Badhuru

  • Mohamed Nameen (24) from Th. Guraidhoo

  • Mohamed Najih (24) from Sh. Milandhoo

Rashad was initially arrested in 2023 after attempting to collect a parcel containing 980 grams of illegal drugs from the post office. He has prior involvement in drug-related cases. Meanwhile, Nameen and Najih are accused of either using or trafficking cannabis.

Why Were They Released?

The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office filed a motion to review their detention, citing that while Rashad has a previous criminal record, evidence suggested he may not have been the primary organizer in the drug trafficking case. A risk assessment was conducted, and testimony from law enforcement personnel was made available to the court.

On May 27, the PG Office recommended that Rashad be placed under electronic monitoring—a proposal that the Criminal Court approved. The same conditions were extended to Nameen and Najih.

What Are the Conditions?

All three individuals were released under strict court-imposed conditions, including:

  • Mandatory appearance in court when summoned

  • Notifying the court of any change in address or contact number

  • Restricted movement: They are not allowed to leave their respective islands without court permission

  • Electronic monitoring tags: Must be worn at all times without tampering

  • Curfew: Must remain indoors between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Violating any of these conditions will result in immediate re-arrest by the police. The release term is set for 100 days, and any extension must be requested before the term expires.

A Shift in Policy on Pre-Trial Detention

The move comes as part of a broader national policy change to tackle the long-standing issue of indefinite custody before trial. The government recently rolled out an electronic monitoring system to offer conditional release to eligible suspects awaiting trial.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, addressing public concerns, stated that this new system is designed to balance justice with fairness by easing pre-trial detention where appropriate.

However, the PG Office made it clear that this leniency will not apply to individuals charged with murder, serious terrorism, major drug trafficking, or child sexual abuse. These high-risk cases will still require full detention to ensure public safety and judicial integrity.

While this is a significant step toward reforming the Maldives' justice system, public scrutiny remains high. Authorities say the effectiveness of the electronic monitoring system will depend on strict enforcement and transparent evaluation.

As the country navigates these changes, questions linger: Can justice and reform truly go hand in hand? And will this policy shift make the system more humane—without compromising safety?