A convicted drug trafficker was released days after High Court upheld the lower court’s verdict to jail him for 10 years.

RaajjeMV understands the individual is Abdul Sattar Mohamed of Jareemaage in Dhihdhoo island in Haa Alif atoll. He was released last week under clemency issued on 429 prisoners by President Abdullah Yameen. He was released citing he had served one fourth of his sentence.

Criminal Court sentenced him to serve 10 years and pay a fine of MVR 50,000 on April 8, 2015. High Court upheld this verdict last week, citing that there were legal and procedural reasons to change the verdict.

RaajjeMV was unable to get a comment from Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) and Home Ministry on the issue.

Abdul Sattar is the brother of Adam Naseer, former State Minister for Upper North Province under President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration.

Adam Naseer, who had served in Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Congress, recently shifted to ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). He signed on to PPM during First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim’s visit to Dhihdhoo island.