70kg drug case: Ringleader remanded in new bust after escape attempt

Ali Anwar Mohamed, 35, from Cozy Corner, S. Hithadhoo, has been remanded in custody on Monday for 30 days in connection with a drug trafficking. He was re-arrested after attempting to flee the Maldives following his release from police custody.

Ali Anwar was previously arrested in October 2019 in connection with the seizure of 70 kilograms of drugs aboard the Iranian vessel Al-Shaban, intercepted 172 nautical miles northwest of Thuraakunu. The operation led to the detention of five Maldivians, six Iranians, and two Bangladeshis. Police identified Ali Anwar as one of three key suspects in the case, alongside Ahmed Shakeeb and Mohamed Rishfan.

Anwar was arrested again last week near the Dhiraagu headquarters under a court order in another drug related offense. However, after his five-day remand expired, Criminal Court Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad released him without conditions. The judge cited that police had violated procedures by conducting a search of his premises after the arrest, despite having a warrant. No evidence was recovered during the search.

Following his release, Anwar attempted to leave the country but was denied entry into Sri Lanka and returned to the Maldives, whereupon he was re-arrested and put back in custody.

On Monday, Judge Ibrahim Zihuny ordered his remand for 30 days, noting that the previous release was due to police procedural errors. The arrest warrant and search warrant had been valid, but the search yielded no evidence at the time.

The case has reignited scrutiny over the handling of high-profile drug investigations, especially after several major cases, including one involving 61 kg and another involving 72 kg, were dismissed or withdrawn due to procedural lapses and administrative delays.