Rapper Pest pleads ‘not guilty’ to drug charges

Maldivian rapper Ismail Ifham Mohamed (Pest) has plead ‘not guilty’ to charges against him for drug trafficking. 

The charges against Pest were read at a hearing at the Criminal Court at 11:30 am this Wednesday. His defense lawyer said his client wishes to enter a plea of ‘not guilty’. 

Following the denial of the charges against him, the prosecution presented the evidence against him. This included a DNA report, an analysis reports of drugs confiscated from him, and statements from police officers who prepared the reports. 

The judge gave Pest three days to submit evidence for his defense. 

Pest’s lawyer also asked the judge for a review of his client’s detention. However, the judge said he cannot review the order to detain Pest pending the outcome of his trial citing the recent High Court ruling to uphold the detention order. 

Pest has been 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. 

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.