The Criminal Court issued an in-absentia detention order yesterday remanding a drug trafficking suspect in custody for 15 days until November 29, after the individual was hospitalised following a seizure in police custody.
The court issued the ruling on Saturday, November 14, following a detention request submitted by the Maldives Police Service.
According to court records, police sought a ruling on the suspect’s custody status while the individual remained admitted at ADK Hospital for medical treatment after suffering a seizure while detained. Supporting medical documentation from the hospital was presented to the court alongside investigative materials and arrest records.
In issuing the order, the court ruled that the suspect’s arrest had been conducted in accordance with established legal procedures and noted that sufficient evidence had been submitted to establish reasonable suspicion. The court further determined that releasing the individual could pose a threat to public safety.
While the detention order was granted in the suspect’s absence due to their medical condition, the court instructed police to present the individual before a judge within 24 hours of any change in their condition to facilitate an in-person court appearance.
