Insufficient evidence to prosecute group arrested in Addu City drug bust: PG office
The Prosecutor General's Office has advised the Maldives Police Service that they may seek to refile charges under Section 94(v) of the Criminal Procedure Act should any new evidence come to light.
Committee approves appointment of Abbas as Prosecutor General | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
The Prosecutor General’s Office has stated that there is insufficient evidence to press charges in a case involving allegations of large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering in Addu City.
According to information shared by the Prosecutor General’s Office, the investigation period for this case expired on March 2, 2026. The case primarily involves two allegations: participation in an organized criminal group under Section 720 of the Penal Code (Law No. 9/2014), and money laundering under Section 53 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act (Law No. 10/2014).
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that upon reviewing the evidence and testimonies gathered before the statutory investigative deadline, it was determined that there is insufficient evidence to meet the legal threshold required to prove the suspects' involvement in an organized criminal group or money laundering activities.
Furthermore, the Prosecutor General's Office noted that the investigation period for this case had been extended multiple times, reaching the maximum duration permitted under the law.
However, noting that the investigation could not be sufficiently completed and that enough evidence and testimony to press charges were not obtained within the timeframe, the Prosecutor General’s Office stated that Section 94(k) of the Criminal Procedure Act mandates the investigative agency to release an individual from custody if sufficient evidence to prosecute is not secured within the prescribed investigative period.
Consequently, following this decision, the Prosecutor General’s Office has advised the Maldives Police Service to release the suspects currently in custody regarding this case.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that although the case was declined due to insufficient evidence for prosecution at this time, the Maldives Police Service has been advised to resubmit the case for charges under Section 94(v) of the Criminal Procedure Act should new evidence come to light.
