Maldivian authorities have reportedly seized a Sri Lankan fishing vessel carrying a massive haul of narcotics, including around 300 kilograms of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ICE).
According to media reports, the vessel, with six Sri Lankans onboard, was intercepted by the Maldivian Coastguard following intelligence shared by the Sri Lanka Navy. The operation is believed to be one of the largest joint maritime drug busts in recent months between the two nations.
Police in the Maldives confirmed that the suspects and the vessel were taken into custody, with investigations now underway to trace the origin and intended destination of the narcotics.
Sources said the fishing craft had been operating under the guise of a routine deep-sea trip when it was tracked and intercepted in Maldivian territorial waters. Authorities suspect the consignment was part of a wider transnational drug trafficking network using the Indian Ocean as a transit route.
Sri Lankan law enforcement and the Navy are coordinating with Maldivian counterparts to assist in the ongoing investigation.
If confirmed, the seizure underscores the increasing cooperation between regional maritime forces in curbing the movement of illegal narcotics across the Indian Ocean region.(Newswire)