An officer of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) arrested on suspicion of selling vape products in Thinadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll is facing serious drug trafficking charges, and further scrutiny after making false claims during a High Court trial.

Mohamed Saajid Ahmed, who served as a Special Constabulary Constable with the police institution, was initially apprehended after police suspected him of selling e-cigarettes. A subsequent search of his residence and motorcycle uncovered a large quantity of contraband, including tobacco, Nanostix, vape devices and cartridges, along with 191.92 grams of suspected narcotics.

Following the seizure, the Prosecutor General’s Office formally charged Saajid with drug trafficking, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from MVR 100,000 to MVR 10 million if convicted.

In a surprising turn during court proceedings, Saajid claimed he had never taken the police oath of office, a legal requirement for anyone serving in law enforcement. However, he simultaneously admitted to having worked in the role and received a salary for it.

The High Court rejected Saajid’s claim, stating that it was implausible for someone to attend an official oath-taking ceremony, perform police duties for an extended period, and still assert they had never taken the oath. The court concluded that his statement lacked credibility.

Saajid’s legal team has since appealed the case to the Supreme Court, although the apex court has yet to decide whether it will hear the appeal.

The case raises broader concerns about integrity and accountability within law enforcement, particularly when those sworn to uphold the law face allegations of serious criminal conduct, and then attempt to evade responsibility with questionable legal tactics.