Two Men Arrested for Allegedly Using Child in Drug Trafficking

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of using a child to traffic drugs, in what police describe as a serious offence under Maldivian law.

The suspects have been identified as Ahmed Naeem of Satellite, Vilimalé, and Hassan Nuaz of Naazleemanzil, Vilimalé. Both men were taken into custody on charges related to drug trafficking and the exploitation of a minor. A court has ordered that the two suspects be remanded in custody for 30 days.

According to the arrest warrant, investigators discovered evidence indicating large financial transactions between the two men. Police have not disclosed further details of the case, including the age of the child allegedly involved.

Under Maldivian law, using a minor in the commission of a drug-related offence is considered a grave crime. Section 105 of the Narcotic Drugs Act makes it an offence to involve a child, defined as anyone under the age of 18, in activities such as transporting, selling, transferring or participating in drug-related operations.

The law further states under Section 105(b) that anyone who uses a child to commit a drug offence is liable to the maximum penalty prescribed for that offence. In cases involving drug trafficking, the penalties include life imprisonment and fines ranging between MVR 100,000 and MVR 10 million.

The Child Rights Protection Act also places an obligation on the state to protect children from exploitation, abuse and any activities that may endanger their wellbeing.

Police have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.