Maldives Seizes 355.9 Kilograms of Suspected Narcotics from Sri Lankan Vessel
NewsAhmed Shurau
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has confirmed the seizure of a suspected Sri Lankan fishing vessel carrying over 355 kilograms of narcotics within the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to MPS, the vessel — identified as Avishka Putha — was intercepted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard on 7 November 2025, after being found operating within Maldivian waters without authorization.
During an initial inspection, MNDF personnel discovered suspicious sacks believed to contain narcotics. The vessel and its five Sri Lankan crew members were subsequently handed over to the Maldives Police Service on 9 November for further investigation.
A court-authorized search conducted on 10 November uncovered 24 sacks containing suspected drugs. Preliminary analysis indicates the haul includes 58.6 kilograms of heroin and 297.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, with a total provisional weight of 355.9 kilograms.
The five suspects — Sri Lankan nationals aged 28, 34, 39, 42, and 63 — have been taken into custody.
Authorities said the ongoing investigation is being conducted jointly by the Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force, Sri Lankan Navy, and Sri Lankan Police.
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