Drug suspects released after officers unable to access Justice Building

Two people arrested on suspicion of bringing drugs into the country have been released after the police were unable to access Justice Building.

The Criminal Court is located on the second floor of Justice Building.

Sun Online has been informed that the two people were arrested yesterday after they were caught transporting about 1 kg of drugs in a ‘vegetable box’ in a car in Male’.

Police took the two people to Justice Building at 1:30 p.m. today for the detention period hearing at the Criminal Court. However the two suspects had to be released when the officers were still unable to access the building after the 24-hour period, stated in the Constitution, passed.

The Constitution states that persons who are arrested should be brought within 24 hours before a judge who has the power to determine the validity of the detention, to release them with or without conditions, or to order their continued detention.

Access to Justice Building is managed by the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA).

Sources have told Sun Online that police officers stayed outside the building, with the suspects, for hours.

Police were unavailable for a comment at the time of publication.

DJA spokesperson told Sun Online that Justice Building is opened on Fridays at 2:00 p.m., and a special request must be made if access to the building is required earlier than 2:00 p.m. He said that no such request was made today.