November 11, Colombo (LNW): Maldivian authorities have confirmed that a Sri Lankan fishing vessel intercepted within the country’s territorial waters was carrying a significant consignment of narcotics, marking what officials describe as the largest drug seizure ever recorded in the Maldives.
The vessel, identified as Avishka Putha, was detained by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard on November 07 after it was found operating illegally inside Maldivian maritime boundaries. Aboard the trawler were five Sri Lankan nationals, aged between 28 and 63, all of whom were taken into custody.
Following a court order, Maldivian police conducted a detailed search of the vessel, uncovering 58.6 kilogrammes of heroin and 297.3 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) hidden in 24 secret compartments. In total, the confiscated drugs weighed over 355 kilogrammes.
The operation was the result of close cooperation between the Maldives National Defence Force, the Maldivian Police, the Sri Lanka Navy, and the Sri Lanka Police. Law enforcement agencies from both countries are continuing to coordinate their efforts to trace the origins and intended destination of the narcotics.
On the advice of the Maldivian Attorney General, arrangements are reportedly underway to transfer the arrested crew members and the confiscated drugs to Sri Lanka for further legal proceedings. A specialised team from Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau and Navy has already arrived in the Maldives to assist with the joint inquiry.
Authorities have hailed the bust as a major success in regional maritime surveillance and counter-narcotics collaboration, underscoring the growing need for vigilance against transnational drug trafficking across the Indian Ocean.
