MNDF Seizes Sri Lankan Vessel Carrying Over 300 Kilograms Of Drugs 

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has seized a Sri Lankan vessel carrying over 300 kilograms of drugs, including heroin and methamphetamine, during a drone-assisted surveillance operation conducted on Friday.

According to reports from Sri Lankan media, the vessel was intercepted after it was detected entering Maldivian waters illegally. Six individuals onboard were taken into custody following the operation, which was executed by the MNDF Coast Guard’s Special Boat Squadron using aerial surveillance data to track and intercept the vessel.

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The Maldives Police Service has confirmed the incident but has not disclosed further details regarding the suspects or the intended destination of the vessel.

In a separate operation earlier in the week, the MNDF also seized two Sri Lankan fishing boats found operating illegally within the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The vessels were intercepted on Wednesday night, approximately 137 nautical miles east of Fohtheyomuli in Vaavu Atoll.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the seized vessels have been brought to Malé or another port for investigation.

The MNDF has stepped up maritime surveillance efforts in recent months, utilising drones and patrol units to monitor the country’s vast territorial waters. It remains unclear whether the latest drug seizure is linked to any wider trafficking network.