ICG and DRI Intercept Smuggling Attempt, Seize MVR 59 Million Worth of Contraband

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized contraband worth an estimated MVR 59 million, allegedly being smuggled from India to the Maldives, in a joint operation on March 5, 2025.

The Hindu media reported that the operation was conducted following a tip-off from the DRI about a drug consignment aboard a small vessel en route from Thoothukudi to the Maldives’ capital, Male’ City. Two ICG ships were deployed and intercepted the vessel around 20:00hrs Indian time, south of the Gulf of Mannar, which lies between India’s Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

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ICG officials boarded the vessel, apprehended the crew, and brought it to Thoothukudi harbour for further investigation. The vessel and its nine crew members were handed over to the DRI on March 7.

Upon examination, Indian authorities discovered around 39 kilograms of hashish oil concealed inside snack packages, with an international market value of MVR 59 million.

This marks the second time Indian authorities have intercepted an attempt to smuggle hashish oil to the Maldives. In January, officials apprehended a group of traffickers attempting to transport 12 kilograms of hashish oil via a yacht en route from Tuticorin to Male’ City.

While Indian media have reported on the recent drug bust bound for the Maldives, local authorities have yet to make any official comments.