Four individuals arrested under "Operation Alimagu"—a police initiative targeting drug trafficking and money laundering networks in the Maldives—have been released on the instructions of the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office due to a lack of evidence.
The individuals released are Shaffah Latheef, 28; Ahmed Madheeh, 33; Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim, 30; and Noorunnizam, 35. All four are natives of Gaaf Alif Villingili.
Ahmed Shafeeu, Public Prosecutor and spokesperson for the PG Office, told Adhadhu that after reviewing the available evidence, it was determined that there was insufficient grounds to pursue major criminal charges. Consequently, the four men, who had been held in remand pending the conclusion of their trial, were ordered to be released.
"The investigative period for this case expired today. Upon reviewing the evidence gathered by that deadline, we found it insufficient to sustain a major criminal prosecution. Therefore, we instructed the police to terminate their remand," Shafeeu said.
While the four were initially suspected of being high-level drug traffickers, the PG Office has only filed minor charges of cannabis use against Shaffah Latheef, Ahmed Madheeh, and Ahmed Anaam Ibrahim in the Drug Court. No charges were filed against Noorunnizam.
Shafeeu further noted that the PG Office has instructed the police to continue and expand the investigation into the network, despite the release of the suspects.
The police operation leading to these arrests was conducted across several locations in Gaaf Alif Atoll and Male', involving searches of 10 different properties.
Last month, under the same "Operation Alimagu," police arrested six suspected drug kingpins in Addu City. However, those individuals were also released without charges.
