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Coastguard intercepts Iranian vessel for drug trafficking

Mariyam Malsa
07 May 2019, MVT 12:26
The Iranian vessel intercepted for drug trafficking in Maldivian waters. PHOTO: MALDIVES POLICE SERVICE
Mariyam Malsa
07 May 2019, MVT 12:26

Maldivian Coast Guard and Maldives Police Force, on Tuesday, intercepted an Iranian vessel for trafficking drugs in Maldivian waters.

The vessel was intercepted 126 nautical miles west of Baa Atoll and is reported to be extensively involved in drug trafficking across the region.

According to Police, seven of the boat's crew members were apprehended and large amounts of drugs were confiscated from onboard the vessel.

Police stated that efforts to bring the vessel to the Male' region for further investigations are ongoing.

Additionally, police confirmed that further information regarding the operation and the narcotic substances discovered would be released at a later date.

The police also discovered 149 kilograms of narcotic substances buried in an uninhabited island in Ghaaf Dhaalu Atoll during a drug bust on April 29. A total of ten Maldivian men have been arrested in connection to the case.

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed recently stated that Police operations were increased in response to a surge in drug trafficking via marine routes.

Additionally, he thanked Maldives National Defence Force (MDP) for their swift response to the requests of Police.

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