Convicted drug trafficker Abdulla Ibrahim, commonly known as Abucha, has been taken back to prison after his parole was revoked by the authorities.

Abucha was released on parole on October 1 by the Parole Board while serving sentences related to drug trafficking. However, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan said the decision was found to be contrary to relevant laws, regulations and government policy.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Ihusaan said the time Abucha had spent in custody had not been calculated correctly when the parole decision was made.

Abucha was sentenced to 25 years in prison after confessing to drug trafficking charges linked to a 2020 police operation in Addu, during which authorities seized more than 61 kilograms of diamorphine and nearly 18 kilograms of methamphetamine racemate.

The government has also dismissed the members of the Parole Board following the controversy over his release.

Police have previously identified Abucha as a prominent figure suspected of involvement in drug importation and trafficking in the Maldives.