Five Sri Lankan nationals have been remanded in custody for 30 days after Maldivian authorities seized over 468 kilograms of narcotics from their fishing vessel.

The vessel, identified as Ashenfutha, was intercepted by the Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) Coast Guard at around 12:45 a.m. on November 24, near HDh. Makunudhoo. Acting on intelligence of illegal entry into Maldivian waters, the authorities tracked and apprehended the boat, which was carrying five crew members.

Following the interception, the vessel was escorted to the port of Kulhudhuffushi, where officers from the local police and the Coast Guard conducted a search. The operation led to the discovery of 344 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 124.6 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of MVR 1 billion.

The suspects – Muttima Patabendige Amishk Sanjeeva Kumara (22), Rajpaksha Gamage Dinusha Madumal (21), Chamod Diwanga Dilakawa (22), Laurence Hewage Sarat (56), and Wijeweera Gunaratne Mahavidome (37) – were brought before the Kulhudhuffushi Magistrate Court on December 23. The court ordered their detention in a custodial jail for 30 days.

In its ruling, the court highlighted concerns over public safety and the risk of escape, citing the defendants’ status as foreign nationals. The court had stated that if they are released on bail, the safety of the community would be at risk and there would be a chance of the suspects escaping.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the narcotics are linked to domestic drug networks. Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau, addressing the media on December 22, stated that investigations are ongoing and declined to comment on possible local connections.

The seizure comes as the Maldivian government prepares to introduce stricter amendments to the nation’s Drugs Act, including the death penalty for trafficking more than 400 grams of illicit substances.

Commissioner Shujau credited the successful operation to cooperation between multiple agencies, following a tip-off about the vessel’s suspicious movements.