Drug boat case may require further operations: Police

Police announced today that they are investigating the case of the Sri Lankan drug boat, seized in Maldivian waters with over 350 kilograms of illicit drugs, in collaboration with Sri Lankan police, and that further operations may be necessary.

Speaking to journalists about the police's recent major anti-drug operation, "Alimagu," Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Naif of the Drug Enforcement Department stated that the investigation into the drugs found on the Sri Lankan vessel might necessitate questioning more individuals and conducting additional operations.

Consequently, he declined to provide further details on the matter during today's media briefing.

"Since we foresee a situation where we may need to question additional parties and conduct further operations related to this matter, we do not intend to cover that topic today," Naif said.

On November 7th, Maldivian authorities seized the fishing vessel "Avishka Putha," which had illegally entered the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone. The operation, aided by Maldivian military drones and intelligence from the Sri Lankan Navy, led to the discovery of 24 sacks of narcotics during a court-approved search. The total weight of the drugs was 355.9 kilograms, including 58.6 kilograms of suspected heroin and 297.3 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine.

At the time of the seizure by the Maldivian military within the country's territory, there were five Sri Lankan men on board, aged 28, 34, 39, 42, and 63. All five were arrested.

A special team from Sri Lanka also arrived in the Maldives to assist with the drug boat investigation.