Shaheeb found guilty in 130kg drug bust, receives life sentence

Former People’s National Congress (PNC) councilman Shaheeb Ibrahim - who the police believe to be one of the ringleaders of a large-scale drug trafficking network – has been found guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Shaheeb, 47, Lighthouse, G A. Vilingili, was arrested in connection to a 130 kilo drug bust in October 2020, in which the police discovered a 130-kilo drug shipment from a fishing boat in the lagoon of suburban Hulhumale’.

The police made seven arrests in connection to the drug bust; local men aged between 25-48 years, and one person who was a minor at the time.

They released the identities of two they believe to be the ringleaders of the drug trafficking network; Shaheeb and Ahmed Moosa, Violet Villa, HA. Hoarafushi. The duo was initially remanded in jail pending the outcome of his trial, but were released by the Criminal Court in 2022, based on health concerns.

The Criminal Court found all defendants guilty of drug trafficking on Saturday afternoon.

The conviction comes after the police had made public announcement seeking his whereabouts twice in September, citing the need to enforce Criminal Court order instructing police to produce him at court.

The first public announcement was posted on September 13, and the second one on Thursday.

He surrendered himself to police on Thursday, shortly after the police arrested his wife on suspicion of harboring a fugitive.

A police spokesperson said Shaheeb’s wife was released from custody the same day, but remains under investigation.

Shaheeb had served as a coordinator at the Housing Ministry during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration, back when incumbent President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu served as Housing Minister. He had also contested the 2019 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.

Shaheeb was suspended and subsequently dismissed from PNC’s council following his arrest.