MNDF seizes Sri Lankan fishing boat with 300 kg of drugs

Nov 9, 2025, 6:15 AM
The vessel was located using MNDF drone. -- MNDF Photo

The vessel was located using MNDF drone. -- MNDF Photo

The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Coast Guard seized a Sri Lankan fishing boat with 300 kg of drugs off Maldivian waters on October 7.

Police said the boat was seized with 300 kilograms of drugs. However, police did not disclose any further details.

Sri Lankan media reported that the fishing boat was located using an MNDF drone following intelligence provided by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The MNDF said on Friday that a drone surveillance operation had identified an illegal vessel in Maldivian waters, but did not provide any details.

The 300 kg of drugs seized from the boat included heroin and crystal meth. It was carrying six Sri Lankan crew members, Sri Lankan media reported.

Last year, 468 kilograms of drugs were seized from a fishing boat seized in Maldivian waters. It included 344 kg of crystal meth and 124 kg of cocaine.

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