Drugs on seized vessel not loaded in Maldives: Police

Maldives police have clarified that the drugs found on a fishing vessel seized by Sri Lankan authorities were not loaded in Maldivian territory.

Sri Lankan media had reported that the vessel, named "Seedevi", was loaded with drugs in Maldivian waters and intercepted following the arrest of its owner in Galle City.

The vessel, registered as a fishing boat, was reportedly not engaged in any legitimate fishing activities.

“Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed to the Maldives Police Service that the vessel seized with 355 kilograms of drugs was not loaded with drugs from Maldivian territory,” Maldives Police Service said in a statement to the media.

Sri Lankan authorities recovered more than 250 kilograms of crystal meth and 85 kilograms of heroin from the vessel, estimating the street value at around 5 billion Sri Lankan rupees.

The owner told authorities that he had handed the boat to a family member for fishing and was unaware it was being used to smuggle drugs.

Six people, including the owner, have been arrested in connection with the case.