Former People’s National Congress (PNC) activist Shaheeb Ibrahim, convicted in one of the Maldives’ largest drug trafficking cases, has appealed his life imprisonment sentence at the High Court.  
Shaheeb was sentenced in September 2025 after the Criminal Court found him guilty of trafficking 130 kilograms of drugs seized from a fishing boat in Hulhumale' in October 2020. He was convicted on two counts, trafficking a Schedule I drug and trafficking dimorphine, and handed two concurrent 25‑year sentences, along with a fine of MVR 10 million, the highest ever imposed under the Narcotics Act.  
Police identified Shaheeb and Ahmed Moosa (Violet Villa, HA. Hoarafushi) as the ringleaders of the smuggling operation. Other defendants, Aseel Mahir (Dhunfinige, GA. Villingili), Anas Hussain (Cell, Lh. Hinnavaru), and Bangladeshi nationals Mohamed Riyad and Iqbal, were also convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.  
Combined file photos of (from L-R) Ahmed Moosa, 48, Violet Villa, H. A. Hoarafushi, and Shaheeb Ibrahim, 42, Lighthouse, G. A. Vilingili. (Photo/Maldives Police Service)
Shaheeb initially fled before sentencing. His wife was arrested on suspicion of helping him evade authorities, prompting him to surrender to police. She was later released, though investigations into her alleged involvement continue.  
Shaheeb Ibrahim (R) with former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom (L).
During former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, Shaheeb served as a coordinator at the Housing Ministry when current President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was Housing Minister. He also contested the 2019 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate. Following his arrest, he was suspended and dismissed from the PNC council.  
The High Court appeal will determine whether the Criminal Court’s verdict and sentence stand. The case remains one of the largest drug busts in Maldivian history, with over 127 kg of narcotics seized.