61 kilo drug bust: State to appeal release of alleged ringleader

Prosecutor General’s Office announced on Monday that they plan to appeal the Criminal Court’s decision to release a man police believe to the ringleader of a heroin trafficking network with the High Court.

Prosecutor General’s Office filed charges against 11 men arrested in connection to 61.06 kilos of heroin found on fishing boat ‘Iruali’ on March 26, 2020, in a major operation run by the Police Intelligence, Drug Enforcement Department and Marine Police, with the Criminal Court in May.

The 11 suspects include seven arrested from the fishing boat itself, and four arrested from Male’ and Hulhumale’. All eleven have prior records of drug-related offenses.

1. Mohamed Rishvan Ibrahim, Mushthareege, M. Muli
2. Ahmed Wisam, M. Boilingfish, Male’ City
3. Mohamed Maaish, M. Maakolhu, Male’ City
4. Hussain Sunaz, Sosun Villa, M. Muli
5. Mohamed Hameed, Guldhasthaage, G. Dh. Rathafandhoo
6. Mohamed Maaidh, Ocean View, M. Kolhufushi
7. Ahmed Shifaz, Hulhumale’ flat 6-G-4
8. Abdulla Sham, Ma. Boalhakinkirimaage, Male’ City
9. Mohamed Nasheed, Hudhufinifenmaage, M. Muli
10. Mohamed Shamin, Ma. Virah, Male’ City
11. Saudhulla Rasheed, M. Capricorn, Male’ City

The police believe Wisam – who has been charged with trafficking diamorphine (heroin) – of being the ringleader. However, he was released by the Criminal Court on Sunday.

The Prosecutor General’s Office announced on Monday that they will be appealing Wisam’s release with the High Court.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said that Wisam is the ringleader of the heroin trafficking network, and has been identified by Police Intelligence to have led the 61 kilo heroin trafficking attempt.

The remaining 10 suspects have also been charged with trafficking diamorphine, and have been ordered to jail pending the outcome of their trial.

The street value of the drugs seized in the operation is approximately MVR 72 million. The police, in their searches in connection to the case, also seized a large amount of cash believed to be profits from the sale of drugs.