215kg drug bust: Two suspects charged; facing life sentences

The two suspects arrested in a counter-narcotics operation in October which saw the seizure of 215 kilograms of drugs has been charged. They are both facing life sentences if the charges are proven.

The counter-drug trafficking operation - conducted by the Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Drug Intelligence, Marine Police, Forensics Department, and R. Atoll Police – began on October 13 and ended on October 15 with the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 215 kilograms of heroin. 

Police searched multiple uninhabited islands and a speedboat in the operation. The drugs were found hidden at R. Lhaabugali, an uninhabited island located in Raa Atoll.

The two suspects arrested in the case are:

• Ali Shakir, 42, Finifaru, R. Maduvvari
• Nimal Abdul Haris, 33, Fehiali, R. Maduvvari

Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has charged both Shakir and Nimal with diamorphine trafficking. Shakir is also charged with refusal to give a urinal sample.

Cases against both of them have been filed at R. Madduvari Magistrate Court by PGO.

Criminal Court has previously ordered the two individuals to be remanded in jail pending outcome of the trial.

The court ordered for them to jail pending the outcome of trial, citing sufficient evidence against them.

They are currently being held in a custodial jail and will be transferred to a remand jail once the police finish their investigation.

According to reliable sources, Shakir and Nimal reside in Maduvvari and are close friends. Shakir is known for running multiple businesses on the island.