Sri Lankan Navy Seizes 336kg of Narcotics on Boat with Maldivian Links

Sri Lankan authorities have seized a fishing vessel carrying a significant quantity of narcotics, which has reportedly been traced back to Maldivian waters, according to local media reports. The vessel, named Seedevi, was intercepted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the western seas following suspicions of drug smuggling.

Investigations by Sri Lankan authorities revealed that the boat had entered Maldivian territorial waters before returning to Sri Lanka with its illicit cargo, NewsFirst reported.

Massive Narcotics Discovery Onboard

The seizure uncovered 251 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 85 kilograms of heroin, marking one of the largest drug hauls in recent times. Six suspects linked to the operation were taken into custody, with a Colombo court granting authorities permission to hold them for questioning until 8 November.

Authorities estimated the total value of the seized drugs at around Rs. 5 billion (MVR 2.5 billion).

Vessel Owner Among Those Detained

NewsFirst reported that the vessel’s owner, who claims he had no knowledge of the smuggling operation, is among those arrested. The owner stated that control of the boat had been handed over to his brother-in-law.

Investigators are reportedly tracing the operation to an individual known as “Dinuka,” believed to be based in Dubai, suggesting a wider transnational network behind the smuggling attempt.

Maldives Authorities Confirm No Local Involvement

The Maldives Police Service confirmed that Sri Lankan authorities have verified the drugs were not loaded in Maldivian waters, clarifying that the incident did not involve domestic trafficking in the Maldives.

Nevertheless, the region’s waters are frequently exploited by smugglers for transporting and disposing of narcotics. The Maldives Police previously discovered approximately 40 kilograms of drugs near Faafu Atoll Filitheyo in 2023, after a local fishing boat alerted authorities.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by South Asian authorities in monitoring maritime routes vulnerable to drug trafficking. With the Maldives and Sri Lanka located along key shipping lanes, vigilance and cooperation between regional law enforcement agencies remain crucial in curbing transnational narcotics operations.