The Maritime Surveillance and Border Protection Section has been established in the Maldives Customs Service.
According to Customs, the new section was established to combat narcotics and illegal activities within the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The section’s mandate includes monitoring vessels using devices such as surveillance drones and conducting operations in conjunction with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) within Maldivian waters.
Customs said a special logo and uniform have been designed for the section and the vehicles and equipment are being procured while staff training is also underway.
The Maritime Surveillance and Border Protection Section will begin work with two vessels that were introduced to Customs two years ago.
The section will also use two 30-foot patrol vessels recently provided by the Japanese government. Customs said the vehicles will be available in May.
Customs said an 85-foot patrol vessel received as a grant from the Japanese government will also be used in the section starting early next year.
Eight officers will travel to Japan for training on conducting maritime operations using the vessel, Customs stated.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Maldives and the US Export Control and Related Border Security have agreed to provide training and equipment to the new section.
