Cannabis trafficking charge sought against youth

Maldives Police Service has forwarded a case to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) seeking cannabis trafficking charges against a youth, who was arrested on suspicions of selling drugs.

Charges have been sought against Hussain Visam, Zenith, Thundi, L. Gan.

According to the Police, Visam was arrested during a counter-narcotics operation carried out on November 23^rd, 2025.

The Police detailed that cannabis was discovered during a search of Visam’s residence and his car following his arrest, with the weight of the seized drugs meeting trafficking requirements.

Visam was released by the Gan Magistrate Court when he was presented before the court for after his remand expired while the investigation into the case was underway. The Police subsequently requested the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) to appeal the release, arguing that the court’s decision violated existing laws and precedents set by higher courts.

Accordingly, the prosecution appealed the release with the High Court, which overturned Gan Magistrate’s decision.

When Visam’s remand was submitted for review again, the Magistrate Court ordered him in custody for 30 days.

The Police said they forwarded the case to PGO, seeking charges on December 25^th. 

Notably, the amendments to the Drugs Act which is scheduled to come into effect to March will introduce death penalty for importing over 350 grams of drugs into the Maldives. However, the same does not apply to trafficking.