Acquittal of suspect in 119kg drug case to be appealed

Jul 3, 2024, 8:09 AM
Suspects charged over 119 kg of drugs.

Suspects charged over 119 kg of drugs.

The Prosecutor General’s (PG) office has decided to appeal the acquittal of Ahmed Sunain over 119kg of drugs seized in a police operation conducted two years ago.

The suspects charged in connection with the 119kg of drugs were Ali Zubair, from Gaaf Duaal Hoadedhdhoo, along with Ahmed Sunain and Ahmed Mujahid, both of whom were also from Hoadedhdhooo. Only Zubair was found guilty.

The PG office said the decision to appeal the Criminal Court’s decision in Sunain’s case at the High Court was based on both the evidence in the case and the stated reasons for reaching the verdict. The case will be filed before the deadline of July 8 when the appeal period ends, the PG office said.

The PG office decided against appealing Mujahid’s acquittal because it did not expect the verdict to be overturned.

Zubair, the only defendant convicted in the case, was sentenced to 25 years in prison with a fine of MVR 100,000 by the Criminal Court on March 21.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Mental health centre opened in Kulhudhuffushi

Kulhudhuffushi City has opened "Manas Hub," a new mental health center launched by the City Council and the Australian High Commissioner. The facility aims to reduce social stigma and provide accessible support, treatment, and early intervention. This milestone marks a major step in strengthening community-based mental health services.

Audit reveals millions in losses over project given to POLCO

An audit revealed millions in losses after the Home Ministry awarded a prison project to POLCO without competitive bidding. POLCO subcontracted the work for a fraction of the price and charged MVR 2.9 million for demolition work that never occurred. The Auditor General has recommended an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Yameen urges Eagle Hills to scrap Rasmalé project

Former President Abdulla Yameen has urged Eagle Hills to scrap the Rasmalé project, labeling it an exploitation of a "morally bankrupt" regime. He cited public resentment and controversial lease terms that suggest a permanent loss of land. The project faces heavy criticism for its financial structure and perceived lack of public support.

PG had secured release of suspect detained with film stars

Shahil Mohamed, recently arrested with several film stars for drug offenses, was previously released from pretrial detention in a two-kilogram heroin trafficking case. The Prosecutor General’s Office had requested his release due to his medical condition and length of detention. He has now tested positive for synthetic drugs.

Eagle Hills to develop 5,000 housing units in Urban Isle

UAE’s Eagle Hills will develop 5,000 housing units in Hulhumalé’s "Urban Isle" as a prerequisite for the Rasmalé Waterfront project. The $400–$500 million development features three-bedroom apartments funded by future property sales. This initiative replaces a stalled $8 billion financial center project previously planned for the same site.

Two discharged, two in critical condition after road accident

Two people are in critical condition on ventilators and two others have been discharged following a motorcycle crash in Hulhumalé. The accident occurred when a motorcycle carrying three people fled police by driving against traffic. One victim suffered a brain hemorrhage, and the unlicensed driver reportedly has an extensive criminal record.

Renovation begins at Hulhumale' synthetic track

Renovations have begun on the Hulhumale' synthetic track to upgrade it to international World Athletics standards. The project involves installing a high-quality polyurethane surface to ensure athlete records are officially recognized. Work is expected to be completed by January next year.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox