The Maldivian Police has confirmed that a large haul of narcotics was seized from the Sri Lankan vessel ‘Avishka Putha’ that was taken into custody after being found within the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone without authorization.
Issuing a statement on the incident, the Maldivian Police said 355.9 kilos of suspected narcotics were seized from the vessel.
The Maldivian Police further said that five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
According to the Maldives Police, 24 sacks containing 58.6 kilos of suspected heroin and 297.3 kilos of suspected ‘ICE’ narcotics were found in the vessel.
The arrested suspects are aged 39, 42, 28, 34, and 63.
Sri Lankan fishing vessel ‘Avishka Putha’ was taken into custody by the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard on Friday (07).
The vessel and its five crew members were handed over to the Maldives Police Service on Sunday (09) for further investigations. (Newswire/ Image- Dhuvas)
