A man was apprehended and given a prison sentence for trying to transport a substantial amount of drugs taped to his body. The Criminal Court condemned Abdulla Faseeh, Haveeree-ge/Sh. Noomaraa received a sentence of 50 years in prison and a penalty of MVR 200,000 for two distinct trafficking offenses.

The matter involves an event on October 7, 2024, when Faseeh was getting ready to take a flight from Velana International Airport to GA. Kooddoo. While conducting a body search, officers found drugs secured to his legs with tape. As per the ruling issued by Criminal Court Judge Ali Nadeem on Thursday, Faseeh was found guilty on two charges under the Narcotics Act.

The initial accusation was the trafficking of diamorphine. The court discovered 23.5976 grams of diamorphine concealed under the tape and imposed a life sentence along with a fine of MVR 100,000. Following the subtraction of the seven months and 27 days he was in custody, the total sentence left equals 24 years, four months, and three days.

The other charge involved trafficking cannabis. The court observed that 10 film bottles holding 252.1652 grams of cannabis were seized, sentencing him to life in prison and an additional fine of MVR 100,000.

The full amount of MVR 200,000 in penalties is to be settled with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) within one year of the ruling.

At trial, the defense claimed that Faseeh was a victim of human trafficking and was compelled to participate in the act. Nonetheless, the court pointed out that no proof was presented to back the assertion, and that Faseeh did not speak during the inquiry. The court determined that the prosecution had established all essential components of both charges beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in his conviction on each count.