The Maldivian coast guard and police intercepted a foreign boat along with a Maldivian fishing boat transporting 150kilograms of drugs, this Sunday. The boats were seized during a joint operation conducted with the security forces of India and Sri Lanka.
The local boat, “heydhakuri-7”, was suspected to be traveling towards the former vessel to collect the narcotic substances near Thuraakunu, Haa Alif Atoll. However, the police is yet to reveal further information regarding the case.
A total of six unidentified individuals were found abroad the foreign boat while two locals and a Bangladeshi national were on the Maldivian vessel.
According to the Hindustan Times, Indian security forces first received reports on the shipment on September 30th while the boat was in international waters 500 nautical miles off the Kochi coast. Subsequently, they notified the Maldives and Sri Lanka which also began monitoring the vessel’s movement.
Local media outlet Mihaaru reported that Maldivian security forces commenced their operation to seize the boat on Friday night in the Northern area of the country.
According to an anonymous official quoted by the Hindustan Times, the boat was receiving instructions from Pakistan and was shipped from the country. The vessel’s destination remains unconfirmed.
As per Indian officials, Saturday’s operation resulted in the confiscation of the fifth haul of drugs shipped from Pakistan over the last three months.
