Mohamed Hassan, who was arrested for trafficking cannabis and diamorphine, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison under a confession agreement with the state.
The arrest took place on May 2, 2024, following a tip-off from Counter Narcotics Intelligence. A search of Hassan’s residence uncovered significant quantities of drugs, including:
- 996.2 grams of cannabis hidden in a rubber piece
- 714.5 grams of cannabis in another rubber bag
- Smaller quantities of cannabis in additional packets, totaling over 1.7 kilograms
- 1,084 grams of diamorphine concealed in 16 juice packet bags
Cash totalling MVR 6,485 was also seized from Hassan's room and person, which was deemed proceeds from drug sales.
Hassan confessed to owning the drugs and entered into a confession agreement with the state. Under this agreement:
- He was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison and fined MVR 50,000 for cannabis trafficking
- He received the same sentence for diamorphine trafficking
The sentences were combined into a total of 25 years in prison and a fine of MVR 100,000. The court also ruled that the confiscated cash would not be returned to Hassan.
Judge Aishath Nuzha validated the agreement, acknowledging Hassan’s confession. Since Hassan had already spent seven months in custody, this time was deducted from his sentence.
The case underscores the state’s strict measures against drug trafficking while also allowing for reduced sentences through confession agreements.
