The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has seized a Sri Lankan vessel carrying 300 kilograms of drugs, including heroin and methamphetamine, in a drone surveillance operation conducted on Friday.
According to Newswire.lk, the vessel was intercepted while illegally entering Maldivian waters, and six individuals onboard were taken into custody. The operation was carried out by the Coast Guard’s Special Boat Squadron, which tracked and intercepted the vessel based on aerial surveillance data.
MNDF Air Corps UAV detected an illegal vessel in Maldivian waters. Intercepted today by the MNDF Coast Guard Special Boat Squadron. pic.twitter.com/2hmenPl1F5
— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) November 7, 2025
The Maldives Police Service has confirmed the incident but has not released further details regarding the suspects or the destination of the seized vessel.
In a separate operation, the MNDF also seized two Sri Lankan fishing boats found operating illegally within the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone (SEZ). These vessels were intercepted on Wednesday night, approximately 137 nautical miles east of Fohtheyomuli in Vaavu Atoll, according to MNDF statements.
It remains unclear whether the seized vessels have been brought to Male' or another port for further investigation.
The MNDF has increased maritime surveillance in recent months, deploying drones and patrol units to monitor illegal activity in the country’s vast territorial waters. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the latest drug seizure is linked to any broader trafficking network.