Maldivian students arrested in Malaysia, charged

Three Maldivian students have been charged over drug related offences in Malaysia after being arrested from the Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA) last week.

The three students - named by the local Malaysian press as Fazal Mohamed, 24, Hassan Ibrahim Hayyan, 20, Ahmed Hayyan Majeed, 19 – were arrested along with 22 others after six people die from a methamphetamine overdose at the FMFA festival.

The students have been charged under Section 12 (2) (a) of Malaysia’s Dangerous Drug Act, for having and consuming, among others, Ecstacy Pills, Cannabis and Amphetamine.

If convicted, the students could face a maximum jail term of five years and a fine of up to RM100,000. They have denied the charges.

Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday said they are closely monitoring the matter.