2 charged over smuggle of 29 kilo heroin into Maldives

Two Maldivian men have been charged over an attempt to smuggle 29 kilos of heroin into Maldives on a Pakistani ship.

The two men are:

1. Ahmed Sadhooh Hussain, 29, from M. Raihkokaage in Male’ City

2. Mohamed Niushad, 29, from Aasthaanaa in L. Maamendhoo

The shipment of heroin was confiscated by authorities on June 6, 2016.

Prosecutor General’s Office reported the two men were formally charged on July 19, 2016.

Criminal Court proceedings have also begun with six hearing held so far and the witness testimony of the prosecution complete.

Additional hearings are being held to hear witness testimony ordered by the court and witness testimony presented by the defense.

Police estimate the street value of the 29 kilos of heroin at MVR 145 million.

Police allege that Sadhooh was the mastermind behind the attempt to smuggle in the heroin.

And that he went to collect the shipment on a boat along with Niushaad – who is a relative – and two other individuals.

The boat was intercepted in a joint operation by Coastguard, Police Intelligence, Marine Police and SWAT team outside A. Dh. Atoll.

Head of DED, Moosa Ali reported the boat was taken to Dhoonidhoo, and the heroin was found inside a gas cylinder on the boat.

It is the single largest shipment of narcotics confiscated by the police.