Rapper Pest pressed with 5 drug-related charges, faces life imprisonment

Prosecutor General’s Office has filed multiple drug-related charges against popular local rap artist Ismail Ifham Mohamed (Pest) with the Criminal Court.

Pest and four additional suspects were arrested in a joint operation by Police Intelligence and Drug Enforcement Department on February 13. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the case involves smuggling drugs into Maldives, and using, storing and selling drugs in Ma. Veemaage, G. Rihiavige and other properties linked with the suspects.

The Prosecutor General’s Office filed charges against five suspects in connection to the case with the Criminal Court on Thursday, April 22.

The suspects charged in the case are:

• Ismail Ifham Mohamed (Pest), 26, Nai, Dhiguvaandu, Gn. Fuvahmulah
• Mohamed Suaidh, 23, Abadhah Ufaa, Thundi, L. Gan
• Aishath Hasna Nahid, M. Asareehadhaan, K. Male’
• Ahmed Husam (Jahulu), 26, Roashan Hiyaa, Thundi, L. Gan
• Ahmed Shammoon, 30, Handhuvaree Hiyaa, Thundi, L. Gan

Pest was pressed with five charges; trafficking cannabis, using cannabis, trafficking diamorphine (heroin), trafficking a Schedule 1 drug, and use, possession and concealment of assets and money obtained through criminal means.

Mohamed Suaidh was pressed with four charges; trafficking cannabis, trafficking diamorphine (heroin), trafficking a Schedule 1 drug, and use, possession and concealment of assets and money obtained through criminal means.

Aishath Hasna Nahid was pressed one charge; engaging in cannabis transactions.

Ahmed Husam was pressed with two charges; abetting in trafficking cannabis and using cannabis.

Ahmed Shammoon was pressed with one charge; use, possession and concealment of assets and money obtained through criminal means.

Pest, who rose to fame with the rap song “Reethi Kudhin” back in 2011, faces life in prison if found guilty of the charges.

He is one of Symbolic Records’ top artists, and is often referred to as the “King of Rap” in Maldives.