Wednesday
27th Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Maldives Police Service
Sri Lankan Crew Detained for Alleged Attempt to Smuggle Drugs Worth Billions into the Maldives
Photo: Police.
The Maldives authorities have detained the crew of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel for 30 days on allegations of illegal entry and an attempt to smuggle 468 kilograms of narcotics valued at approximately MVR 1 billion.
Acting on a tip-off, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) intercepted the vessel 'Ashenfutha' near Makunudhoo on Saturday night. The boat was escorted to Kulhudhuffushi port, where authorities conducted a thorough search, uncovering 344 kilograms of methamphetamine and 124.6 kilograms of cocaine.
The five men onboard the vessel were identified as:
- Rajapaksh Gemaghe Denusha Madhmal, 21
- Muttima Pattabindige Amishk Sanjeeva Kumar, 22
- Chamod Divanga Dilakav, 22
- Lorensu Hewagi Sarath, 56
- Vijayveera Gunaratna Mahavidhoma, 37
The suspects were presented before the Kulhudhuffushi Magistrate's Court and remanded in custody for 30 days.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Maldives Police Drug Enforcement Department and Kulhudhuffushi City Police. This coordinated effort highlights the government’s zero-tolerance stance on narcotics and emphasizes the Maldives' commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity from transnational crimes.