Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)'s Coast Guard, on Sunday, seized an Iran flagged vessel adrift offshore from Mandhoo, Alif Dhaalu Atoll with narcotic substances.
Seven Iranian men were onboard. While the matter is under investigation, Police did not reveal whether the crew onboard were under arrest.
Police initially responded to reports of a ship in distress during the early hours of Sunday and reached the boat at approximately 0830 hours. The vessel lost navigational capabilities due to engine failure.
Customs recently apprehended many drug traffickers and seized a vessel attempting to smuggle 70 kilograms of illegal narcotics from Pakistan. Maldives Police Service is currently investigating the matter with the aid of a team from Interpol.
The Iran-flagged boat was intercepted approximately 172 miles northwest of Thuraakunu, Haa Alifu Atoll along with local fishing vessel 'Hedhey Kuri 7' during a joint operation conducted by the security forces of Maldives, India and Sri Lanka.
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