Tuesday 31 Mar 2026
Hamdhoon Ahmed has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and a fine of MVR 100,000 for drug trafficking charges, March 30, 2026. (Photo/Maldives Police Service)
The Criminal Court of the Maldives has concluded a high-profile narcotics case, resulting in a 12-year and six-month prison sentence for 31-year-old Hamdhoon Ahmed. The defendant, a resident of Male', was convicted of trafficking 208 grams of cannabis, a serious offense under the national drug control laws. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the court has mandated a fine of MVR 100,000. This judgment underscores the judicial system's ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of illicit substances within the country, as the court meticulously accounted for the time already served in pre-trial detention, setting a clear precedent for the remainder of the sentence.
A 31‑year‑old Maldivian man has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in jail and fined MVR 100,000 after being convicted of trafficking cannabis.
Hamdhoon Ahmed, Municipal 2069, Male', was arrested on 7 February 2024 on suspicion of drug use, possession, and trafficking. According to the Criminal Court, he was taken into custody at 10:24 pm following a tip‑off that he and others were dealing drugs from his residence.
Police searched the apartment and seized 208 grams of cannabis.
Hamdhoon initially pleaded not guilty but later sought a plea agreement during witness testimony. The Prosecutor General’s Office submitted the agreement on 25 March last year, under which he admitted to the trafficking charge.
The court sentenced him to 12 years and six months in prison. However, after deducting the two years, one month, and 18 days he had already spent in custody, Hamdhoon is required to serve nine years, 10 months, and 12 days.
Judge Ibrahim Zihni delivered the verdict. The court also ruled that the trafficking charge against his alleged accomplice, Aishath Athifa of Canary, Hithadhoo, Addu City, will be heard separately.
