PG Office withdraws charges against woman after husband claims ownership of drugs

The Prosecutor General’s Office has withdrawn charges against a woman in a drug possession case after her husband confessed in court that the illicit substances belonged solely to him.

The case involves a couple who were intercepted and searched by the police, during which narcotics were discovered concealed inside the wife's undergarments.

During the trial, the husband testified that he had handed over the items in his possession to his wife to hide them the moment they were intercepted by the police. He further stated in court that his wife was unaware that the substances were illicit drugs.

The woman involved in the case also testified in court, corroborating her husband's account. She stated that she had hidden the item only because her husband had suddenly handed it to her. However, she maintained that she was entirely unaware that the package contained narcotics.

While the husband involved in this case has an extensive criminal record, the wife has no prior history of criminal offenses. The Prosecutor General's Office withdrew the charges against the wife after the husband confessed to the crime in court and was sentenced, effectively concluding the case against him.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, as a general rule, one individual assuming full responsibility for a crime does not automatically exonerate other accomplices involved in the matter. However, the Prosecutor General maintains the discretion to make such determinations based on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual case.

In this case as well, the charges against the wife were withdrawn after taking those specific circumstances into consideration.

This case pertains to an incident that occurred on November 18, 2024. It involves the arrest of a woman from HA. Hoarafushi and a man from L. Maavah during an operation conducted in Laamu Atoll.