Nepalese Woman Remanded for 30 Days Over Drug Trafficking Allegations

The remand of a 21‑year‑old Nepalese woman arrested in Malé on suspicion of drug trafficking has been extended for 30 days.

The suspect, identified as Nisha Raai, was apprehended on 17 December after police discovered drugs in quantities that meet trafficking thresholds in her apartment. Authorities also recovered equipment used to weigh and seal drugs, according to the remand order.

Raai’s remand had previously been extended twice for one day each, followed by a five‑day extension. On Sunday, the Criminal Court ordered that she remain in custody for 30 days, noting that the state had presented sufficient evidence linking her to the alleged offence. Police recovered 230 grams of cannabis and 141 grams of heroin during the investigation.

During earlier hearings, Raai indicated her wish to appoint her own lawyer, but at Sunday’s hearing she requested state‑appointed counsel. When she was first brought before the court, the Maldives Police Service confirmed that she was an irregular immigrant.

Three Maldivian men have also been arrested in connection with the case. Hassan Anas, 22, was remanded for 15 days on 29 December, while Moosa Shaheem, 22, and Hussain Sharwan, 25, were remanded for 16 days on 23 December. All remain in custody.

The Maldives has a significant foreign population, including many irregular migrants. The government is currently working to register all foreign nationals and regularise undocumented individuals.