Authorities have reported the seizure of 300 kilograms of drugs from a fishing boat intercepted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) during an air surveillance operation on Friday.
The Maldives Police Service confirmed to PSM News that a large quantity of drugs was recovered from the vessel. However, police did not provide further details regarding the operation.
According to MNDF, the fishing vessel was intercepted by the Coast Guard Special Boat Squadron after a surveillance drone operated by the Air Corps detected the vessel operating illegally in Maldivian waters. The MNDF has not released additional information at this time.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu established the Air Corps of the Maldives National Defence Force on 15 March 2024 through a Presidential Decree. The service was created to strengthen the nation’s aerial surveillance capabilities and maintain the security of Maldivian airspace.
With the establishment of the Air Corps, the defence forces now have the ability to monitor Maldivian waters 24 hours a day. The newly introduced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can fly at speeds of up to 220 kilometres per hour for as long as 20 hours continuously. The UAVs are also capable of conducting search and rescue operations even at night.
Previously, the MNDF faced significant challenges in patrolling Maldivian waters, relying solely on Coast Guard vessels.