High Court dismisses 72kg drug appeal over missed fee payment

The High Court has dismissed the state’s appeal in the 72kg drug trafficking case due to non-payment of the MVR 300 registration fee.

The decision, signed by High Court Registrar Maryam Hoorushida, was issued Wednesday after the fee was not paid within the court’s deadline.

The appeal had been filed against the Criminal Court’s acquittal of three men accused of smuggling 72 kilograms of diamorphine into the Maldives aboard the fishing vessel Masjari-2 in December 2020.

The accused include Irufan Thagiyyu, alleged to have overseen the operation, Ahmed Naseer (38) from Anbugasdhoshuge, Dh. Maaenboodhoo, and Mohamed Akram (27) from H. Gardenbeauty, Male'. All three were acquitted by Criminal Court Judge Ibrahim Ihusaan.

The Prosecutor General’s Office had previously withdrawn charges against seven other suspects, citing insufficient evidence to secure convictions.

The dismissal has raised concerns over procedural lapses in high-profile criminal appeals. The PG Office has not commented publicly on the missed deadline.