The ruling to keep key suspect in the smuggling of 130 kilograms of illegal drugs to the Maldives via sea, Shaheeb Ibrahim (G.A. VIlingili), in the custody of the state until the end of the trial, has been appealed at the Supreme Court.

Shaheeb and seven others were arrested on 14 October 2020 after 130 kilograms of drugs being smuggled into the Maldives via sea through a foreign group was seized by the Maldives Police Service.

He was initially remanded by 15 days but on the remand hearing on 28 October, he was released by the Criminal Court and the police said that Shaheeb was released after more evidence was presented as well.

When the state appealed the release, the High Court overturned the Criminal Court decision on 18 November and ruled to keep Shaheeb in custody until the end of his trial.

Following the ruling, Shaheeb’s defence team has appealed the case at the Supreme Court and set a hearing on Sunday. The Supreme Court Judges presiding over the case are Judge Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, Judge Aishath Shujoon Mohamed and Judge Mahaz Ali Zahir.