A Sri Lankan newspaper has reported that approximately 300 kilograms of narcotics were found on a Sri Lankan vessel that was captured yesterday with the help of Maldivian military drones while illegally entering Maldivian waters.
The police have confirmed the seizure of drugs from the vessel but have not disclosed the exact amount. According to the Sri Lankan newspaper, authorities seized approximately 300 kilograms of heroin and ice (crystal meth) from the vessel, which had six Sri Lankan fishermen on board. However, the newspaper did not clearly specify whether the vessel was heading to the Maldives or to another country. The report states that the MNDF (Maldives National Defence Force) captured the vessel based on intelligence information provided by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard.
Based on information available to Sri Lankan security forces, the newspaper also reported that the narcotics found on the vessel are believed to be connected to a drug trafficking network known as “Dehiwala Malli.” The foreign vessel was located using drones and brought under military control sometime on Friday. The MNDF stated that during surveillance operations conducted by the MNDF Air Corps using drones, they identified a foreign vessel operating illegally in Maldivian waters. The Coast Guard Special Boat Squadron then intercepted the vessel and brought it under MNDF control.
Previously, two Sri Lankan fishing vessels that were operating illegally in the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone were also seized. These two fishing vessels were also captured using MNDF drones.
