The Criminal Court has sentenced a man to 17 years in prison for cannabis trafficking.

The ruling was issued against Haroon Jailam of Lh. Hinnavaru Kafidhoo.

The State prosecuted him after police, acting on intelligence regarding drug distribution, intercepted him and searched a motorcycle parked near the Hotel Jen parking zone. Quantities of cannabis packaged in various items were discovered hidden under the motorcycle's seat.

Although the trial was ongoing, Jailam subsequently entered into a plea agreement with the State and submitted it to the court.

Consequently, the Criminal Court found him guilty of cannabis trafficking and handed down the 17-year prison sentence. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of MVR 100,000 to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) within a period of 12 months.