Abdulla Ibrahim (Abucha), whom the police accuse of operating a large-scale drug trafficking network in Addu City, has been unlawfully released by the Parole Board.
Abucha was sentenced to 25 years in prison on May 19 last year for his involvement in an attempt to smuggle 98 kilograms of narcotics into the Maldives.
The state pressed two charges against him in the case, each carrying a 25-year sentence for a total of 50 years. However, half of the sentence was remitted under a plea agreement signed with the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office.
Three separate sources have confirmed to Adhadhu that the Parole Board has released Abucha. His release is in violation of the law, as he has not served the mandatory period required for parole eligibility.
Section 125 of the Prisons and Parole Act stipulates that individuals convicted of drug trafficking, trade, or importation are only eligible for parole after serving at least half of their longest sentence.
Although Abucha was sentenced to life imprisonment last year, he had previously spent five years in remand during the trial. Even after deducting that period, he was required to serve an additional 20 years.
Therefore, according to the law, Abucha would only become eligible for parole after completing 12 years and six months of his sentence.
Senior police officials who spoke to Adhadhu stated that they have repeatedly requested successive governments not to grant parole or sentence reductions to drug traffickers, gang leaders, and those involved in major crimes.
Abucha’s release comes despite an extensive criminal record. In 2019, he was arrested on suspicion of smuggling drugs into the Maldives; however, he was released in September of that year after the case was sent to court following the investigation.
Furthermore, Abucha has previously been arrested on allegations of gang rape, two counts of assault, attempted non-consensual sexual relations, and disobedience to orders.
