The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has seized half a tonne of drugs from a Sri Lankan fishing vessel operating illegally in Maldivian waters.

The MNDF initially reported the interception of the fishing vessel in a post on X yesterday. Maldives Police Service has now confirmed that the ship had been seized and brought to the port of Kulhudhuffushi City.

Commissioner of Police, Ali Shujau, disclosed that the fishing vessel was seized off Makunudhoo at approximately 12:45 PM on Saturday, where the vessel was then taken to the port of Kulhudhuffushi. The ship was searched by the Kulhudhuffushi City Police and the MNDF Coast Guard the following day.

468.6 kilograms were recovered from the vessel: 344 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 124.6 kilograms of cocaine. Five Sri Lankan crew members were on board the vessel at the time.

Commissioner Ali Shujau emphasised that this was a successful operation to stop the smuggling of drugs into the Maldives, which was made possible through collaboration with multiple agencies.