Inbound traveler detained carrying 500 grams of drugs inside boxers

The Criminal Court has extended the remand of a man arrested from the airport carrying over 500 grams of drugs into the Maldives.

Ahmed Ahusan, 35, Samandharu, S. Hithadhoo, was presented before the Criminal Court for an extension to his remand on Sunday. The court ordered for the suspect to be held in a custodial jail for another 30 days.

The police told the court that Ahusan flew in from Malaysia carrying over 500 grams of different types of drugs inside his boxers. The evidence submitted against him includes statements from the police, Customs officials, and his own statements to investigators.

The court had previously remanded him in custody of the police for five days, after he said he wished to consult with his lawyer.

But the lawyer did not attend Sunday’s hearing. The police told the court that they informed the lawyer about the hearing, and the court failed in its attempts to contact the lawyer as he did not pick up his phone.

The court decided there were enough evidence to warrant his detention. It also cited the large quantity of drugs found on him and multiple prior arrests in drug cases.

The court decided that there’s room to believe Ahusan is actively involved in the drug trade, and releasing him poses a threat to the community.

His remand is set to expire on October 22.