Police Officer Released Over Procedural Errors in Vape and Narcotics Case

An officer from the Maldives Police Service stationed in Thinadhoo City, who was arrested on suspicion of possession of vape products and narcotics, has been released due to procedural errors in the case.

The officer, a Constable from the Special Constabulary of Thinadhoo City Police, was initially brought in for questioning following an intelligence report concerning the possession and sale of tobacco and vape products. Police conducted a search of the officer’s residence and motorbike last Friday under a court warrant.

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During the search, vape products including sticks and flavour cartridges were found, alongside 191.92 grams of a substance believed to be illicit narcotics. However, when the officer was presented to court for a remand hearing, the court of first instance ruled the arrest warrant unlawful and cited procedural errors, resulting in the officer’s acquittal.

Police have confirmed the officer has been suspended pending further investigation and stated they are collaborating with the Prosecutor General’s Office to appeal the lower court’s decision to acquit the suspect. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.