By Norman Palihawadane
The Maldivian Coast Guard, acting on intelligence provided by the Lankan Navy, successfully intercepted a Sri Lankan fishing trawler on Saturday (23), which was found carrying a significant haul of illegal drugs.
The operation, which took place in the Maldivian waters, resulted in the seizure of 344 kilos of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as “Ice”) and approximately 124 kilos of cocaine.
According to a statement from the Sri Lanka Navy, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo was alerted by the Maldivian Coast Guard’s MRCC in the early hours of 23 Nov. The Maldivian authorities reported that the Sri Lankan multi-day fishing trawler, named ‘Ashen Putha,’ had entered the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prompting concerns that it might be experiencing mechanical issues or in distress.
Upon receiving the alert, the Sri Lanka Navy reviewed its records on the trawler and, based on available intelligence, discovered it had possible links to drug trafficking activities. The Sri Lankan Navy immediately shared this information with the Maldivian Coast Guard to facilitate a coordinated response.
In response, the Maldivian Coast Guard launched a special search operation targeting the vessel. The operation uncovered the large drug shipment hidden aboard the trawler, leading to the seizure of the narcotics. Five individuals aboard the trawler were arrested during the operation. The suspects, aged between 21 and 37, are residents of Dondra and Trincomalee.
The Sri Lanka Navy said that the trawler, along with the five suspects and the seized drugs, was taken into custody by the Maldivian authorities. Both Sri Lankan and Maldivian intelligence agencies are now jointly investigating whether the drug consignment was intended for Sri Lanka or another country in the region.
