Drug suspect, who was released after detention hearing could not be held in time, arrested

One of the two drug suspects who had to be released when the police were unable to enter Justice Building in time, has been arrested.

Police were unable to enter Justice Building, where Criminal Court is located, by the time the 24-hour arrest period passed for the suspects on 3 October. 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.

The police spokesperson told Sun Online that the suspect was rearrested on Tuesday, and that the court has given him a detention period of 15 days.

Efforts are ongoing to locate the second suspect, said the spokesperson.

The two individuals have been accused of bringing drugs into the country concealed in a vegetable container. The drugs have been confiscated by the police.

The case is under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Department of Maldives Police Service.