Maldives seizes 468.6 kg of drugs from illegal Sri Lankan fishing vessel
The estimated street value of the seized substances is approximately MVR 1 billion.
Law enforcement authorities in the Maldives on Sunday seized over 400 kilograms of drugs from a fishing vessel intercepted in Maldivian waters.
The operation was carried out by the Maldives Coastguard and police on Saturday night.
At a press conference, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau stated that 468.6 kilograms of drugs were discovered on the vessel during a search conducted on Sunday. The boat was apprehended near HDh. Makunudhoo Saturday night and escorted to HDh. Kulhudhuffushi for further investigation.
The contraband included 344 kilograms of methamphetamine and 124.6 kilograms of cocaine. The estimated street value of the seized substances is approximately MVR 1 billion.
Shujau revealed that the fishing vessel, identified as Agenkutha, was crewed by five individuals, all of whom are Sri Lankan nationals. He added that no links between the suspects and any groups in Sri Lanka have been confirmed at this stage of the investigation.
The case remains under investigation, and additional details are yet to be disclosed.
