The Criminal Court has sentenced two men from Noonu Atoll Velidhoo to lengthy prison terms after they were found guilty of trafficking Diamorphine, a dangerous illegal narcotic, according to police.
Authorities said the convictions reflect ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to crack down on drug-related crimes across the Maldives, where narcotics trafficking continues to pose serious social and security concerns.
Ahmed Ibrahim Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Cannabis Use
Police identified one of the convicted individuals as Ahmed Ibrahim, 44, from Dilbaharuge in N. Velidhoo. He was found guilty of trafficking Diamorphine as well as using cannabis under the Drugs Act.
The Criminal Court handed Ahmed a 25-year prison sentence and imposed a fine of MVR 100,000 under Section 105(c) of the Drugs Act for the trafficking offense. He also received an additional three-year sentence under Section 115(c) for cannabis use.
However, under provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act, the court ruled that the total time Ahmed must serve amounts to 27 years, 11 months, and 5 days.
Ahmed was initially arrested on May 7, 2024, on suspicion of possessing and trafficking drugs. Following the completion of the police investigation, the case was forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office on June 30, 2024, for prosecution.
Hussain Ibrahim Also Convicted in Separate Case
In a separate case, Hussain Ibrahim, 39, of Happy Garden in N. Velidhoo, was also convicted of trafficking Diamorphine under the Drugs Act.
The court sentenced Hussain to 25 years in prison and fined him MVR 100,000 under Section 105(c) of the Act.
Police said the court later determined, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, that Hussain would serve a total prison sentence of 24 years, 11 months, and 14 days.
Hussain had been arrested earlier, on April 11, 2022, during a drug-related investigation involving suspected possession and trafficking. The investigation was completed and submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office on May 10, 2022.
Authorities Stress Ongoing Anti-Drug Efforts
Police described the convictions as part of a broader nationwide effort to combat narcotics trafficking and related crimes. Authorities said close cooperation between police and other state institutions has strengthened anti-drug operations and investigations.
Officials also emphasized that law enforcement agencies are continuing to pursue the strongest legal action available against individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
Drug trafficking remains one of the most serious criminal challenges facing the Maldives, with authorities frequently warning about the social impact of narcotics on communities and young people. As investigations continue across the country, officials say tougher enforcement measures are being prioritized to disrupt the supply and distribution of dangerous substances.
