Shaheeb sentenced to life imprisonment for smuggling 130kg of narcotics

The Criminal Court has sentenced Shaheeb Ibrahim, of Lighthouse, Villingili island of Gaaf Alif atoll, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty in one of the largest drug trafficking cases recorded in the Maldives.

Shaheeb was among seven individuals arrested in October 2020 in connection with the smuggling of 130 kilograms of drugs into the country aboard a tuna fishing vessel. The operation, which took place in the Hulhumalé lagoon, led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of narcotics. All seven suspects were initially held in custody pending trial, and the Criminal Court has now found all defendants guilty.

The group included men aged between 25 and 48, as well as one minor. While some of the suspects were later released during the course of the investigation, Shaheeb reportedly attempted to flee following his release. He was re-arrested last Thursday after surrendering to the Maldives Police Service (MPS), shortly after the arrest of his wife.

Shaheeb was identified as the primary suspect in the case and has a notable political background. He is a former member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) council and previously served as a coordinator during President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's administration. He was later suspended from the PNC council and had also contested for a seat in the People’s Majlis.

According to the police institution, Shaheeb was initially released after the court granted an extension of his remand based on preliminary evidence. However, he was subsequently taken back into custody and presented before the court with additional evidence uncovered during the investigation.

This conviction marks a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking in the Maldives and highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement authorities to bring high-profile offenders to justice.