5 remanded over 350 kg drug seizure from Sri Lankan fishing vessel
Authorities confirmed that the total weight of the drugs recovered exceeded 350 kilogrammes.
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All individuals arrested in connection with the possession of a large quantity of drugs on board a Sri Lankan fishing vessel intercepted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Air Corps have been remanded in custody pending trial.
The vessel was seized during a surveillance operation conducted by the MNDF Air Corps using a drone after it was detected entering the Maldivian Special Economic Zone illegally. Reports from Sri Lankan media indicated that the drugs found on board included heroin and crystal meth.
There were six fishermen on board at the time of interception. Five of them have been identified as:
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1-
Varnakulasuriya Osen Sachintha Fernando, 28
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2-
Varnakulasuriya Nishantha Tamel, 34
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3-
K. N. I. Peiris, 39
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4-
Mihidukulasuriya Andara Amila Navan Livera, 42
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5-
Singapulliage Nimal Ranjith Kisantha Fernando, 63
The men were produced before court on Tuesday, which ordered their remand pending trial.
According to the arrest warrants, the suspects did not deny the presence of drugs on the vessel. Authorities confirmed that the total weight of the drugs recovered exceeded 350 kilogrammes.
Investigators believe the operation was part of an organised criminal network involving multiple individuals.
