The High Court has dismissed an appeal challenging the release of alleged drug trafficker Ali Anwar Mohamed, who was acquitted by suspended Criminal Court Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad.
Anwar, a resident of house Cozy Corner in Hithadhoo, was arrested in 2019 in connection with a major drug trafficking case involving 70 kilograms of narcotics smuggled into the Maldives aboard an Iranian vessel. He was accused of being the mastermind behind the operation, which led to the arrest of five Maldivians, six Iranians, and two Bangladeshis. The ship, Alshaban, was intercepted approximately 172 miles northwest of Thuraakunu.
Judge Faiz cited procedural violations by police as the reason for Anwar’s release. Although police had obtained both an arrest warrant and a search warrant for Anwar’s premises, the judge said the search was conducted after his arrest and yielded no evidence directly linking him to the case.
Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad.
Anwar was released after five days in remand, without any conditions for reappearance in court. He attempted to flee the country but was re-arrested upon return to Maldives after being denied entry into Sri Lanka.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended Judge Faiz and is investigating multiple cases against him, including Anwar’s release. The JSC has not publicly commented on the matter.
Court records also show that a separate drug case involving 61 kilograms of narcotics was withdrawn at the request of the prosecution. Another case involving 72 kilograms was initially dismissed due to non-payment of the appeal fee but was later accepted.