The High Court has overturned a Criminal Court order that released Ali Anwar Mohamed, who was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.

Ali Anwar was arrested on 11 October under a court order after the Maldives Police Force’s Counter Narcotics Intelligence received information alleging his involvement in drug trafficking. He was first brought before the Criminal Court on 13 October and remanded in custody for five days.

When he was summoned again on 18 October for further remand, the Criminal Court ordered his release instead of extending his detention. The Prosecutor General appealed the decision, arguing that the release order violated the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code.

On Thursday, the High Court ruled that the Criminal Court’s order to release Ali Anwar from custody was invalid.