China and America to Provide Drones for Maldives, Reveals Customs

The Maldives Customs Service has announced that the governments of the United States of America and China will also contribute drones to enhance monitoring of vessels entering the nation’s waters.

Commissioner General of Customs Yoosuf Maniu Mohamed addressed the Parliament’s Committee on Security Services (241 Committee), highlighting the critical need for improved surveillance resources. 

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He noted that the current lack of independent monitoring tools has left Maldives vulnerable to potential threats posed by unmonitored vessel entries.

“We require drones urgently as our current methods rely on physical presence,” Commissioner Maniu stated, underscoring the necessity of these aerial assets for effective border control.

The drones, alongside vessels from Japan, China, and America, are expected to significantly bolster the efforts of the Maldives Customs Service in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force’s (MNDF) Coastguard and Air Corps.

Assistant Commissioner of Customs Ismail Hamdhoon echoed these sentiments, stressing the existing challenges in monitoring oceanic territories and the urgent need to adopt advanced surveillance technologies to mitigate risks such as drug trafficking and potential weapon smuggling.

Both officials emphasised the collaborative nature of future operations between the Customs Service and MNDF, ensuring a coordinated approach to safeguarding Maldives’ maritime borders.

The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing maritime security in the Maldives, leveraging international partnerships to fortify border surveillance capabilities.