Suspected drug dealer released

A suspected drug dealer has been released by the Criminal Court after Maldives Corrections Services could not relocate the inmate to a remand prison.

The court released Hussain Irufaan (35) from M. Endless. He was arrested for suspected drug dealing and the use of drugs. 

He was released after appealing for a review of his detention order which was issued on September 18. The order was to detain until the end of his trial. 

A copy of the order by Criminal Court judge Mohamed Sameer, has been received by Sun. The order read that the inmate had not been moved from a custodial prison to a remand prison as per the law. 

He was also released based on a case where conditions were set for easements for those in detention. 

Sun has confirmed that Irufaan was arrested with 362 grams of cannabis. His case has now been submitted to the court as well. Sources have also confirmed that Corrections refused to receive Irufaan when requested by Police, citing lack of space in remand prisons. No official word on the matter is available from Corrections. 

Irufaan’s release is followed by Home Minister Imran’s remarks expressing concern that suspected drug network heads were being released during court procedures.