Authorities have seized more than 350 kilogrammes of suspected narcotics following the interception of a foreign fishing vessel within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), in an operation that underscores the strategic deployment of aerial surveillance in maritime enforcement.
The vessel, identified as Avishka Putha and believed to be of Sri Lankan origin, was apprehended on 7 November by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard. Drone surveillance had detected the vessel navigating Maldivian waters without authorisation, in breach of national maritime regulations.
After interception, MNDF personnel boarded the vessel and discovered multiple sacks suspected to contain illicit substances. The five crew members were transferred to the custody of the Maldives Police Service, along with the vessel.
A court-authorised search subsequently uncovered 24 sacks believed to contain narcotics. Preliminary assessments placed the total weight of the seized substances at 355.9 kilogrammes. Police officials reported that the haul included approximately 58.6 kilogrammes of suspected heroin and 297.3 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine.
The suspects, Sri Lankan nationals aged 28, 34, 39, 42, and 63, remain in custody. Their arrest marks a significant escalation in regional efforts to disrupt transnational drug trafficking networks. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Maldives Police Service, the Maldives National Defence Force, the Sri Lankan Navy, and the Sri Lankan Police.