PG Office Seeks Review of High Court’s Dismissal in 72kg Drug Trafficking Case

The Prosecutor General’s Office has announced plans to seek a review of the High Court’s decision to dismiss its appeal in the 72-kilogram drug trafficking case, citing procedural issues in the registration process.

The High Court had earlier dismissed the appeal filed against the Criminal Court’s acquittal of three men accused of smuggling 72 kilograms of diamorphine aboard the fishing vessel Masjari-2. The dismissal followed the non-payment of the MVR 300 registration fee within the specified deadline, with the decision signed by High Court Registrar Maryam Hoorushida.

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According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the email notifying them to make the payment was never received. While the High Court maintains that the order was sent on 5 October, the Prosecutor General’s Office stated it had received other correspondence from the court on that day and the next, but none relating to the registration fee.

The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that a request will be submitted for the High Court to review the Registrar’s decision.

The appeal sought to overturn the Criminal Court’s acquittal of Irufan Thagiyyu, Ahmed Naseer, aged 38, from Anbugasdhoshuge, Dh. Maaenboodhoo, and Mohamed Akram, aged 27, from H. Gardenbeauty, Malé. The three men were acquitted by Judge Ibrahim Ihusaan, while charges against seven other suspects were previously withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.