Positive to three drugs: Man seeks prison release to care for autistic child

A Maldivian man who was arrested in a drug-related case is seeking release from prison, claiming he needs to care for his autistic child.

The 43-year-old man from Male’ arrested on suspicion of drug abuse was presented before the Criminal Court on Thursday for a hearing on extending his remand.

An investigative officer testified in court that the suspect’s urine tested positive for three different types of drugs.

The suspect requested leniency with respect to his remand, citing that he has two young children to care for, one of whom is autistic. He stressed that it was his first crime.

However, Judge Adam Mohamed, who was presiding over the case, remanded the suspect in custody for 10 days, citing he was arrested in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act.