A suspect linked to a drug case, has claimed to be suffering from mental health issues.

The Criminal Court has remanded the suspect, a 30-year-old Maldivian man, for a period of 15 days.

The 30-year-old is accused of abusing, possessing and trafficking narcotics.

The man’s remand period expires on July 13.

According to the court order, the reports and statements submitted in the case revealed that a hefty number of substances believed to be narcotics, were found during the raid on his residence.

The suspect’s lawyer has claimed that the suspect is incapable of receiving the charges against him, as he suffers from mental health issues.

The lawyer suggested a psychological assessment, to prove his claim.

The court order stated that it was the responsibility of the defense to ensure the assessments are carried out to prove that the suspect is incapable of receiving the charges, and cited the IO having revealed that the Maldives Police Service (MPS) will provide the necessary support for this purpose.

The police institution has also revealed that they would present the suspect at the time of the assessment appointment.

The judge had instructed to conduct an assessment during the previous remand hearing, as the suspect had defended his inability to receive the charges that time as well.

The judge has once again instructed to carry out the necessary examination to ascertain whether the suspect was unfit to receive the charges on the basis of the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Further, the judge ruled that the relevant authorities are required to extend cooperation in conducting such examinations.