Sri Lankan Crew Remanded Following Major Drug Seizure in Maldives
Five Sri Lankan nationals arrested in connection with the discovery of over 400 kilograms of drugs on a fishing vessel have been remanded in custody for 30 days.
The vessel, identified as Ashenfutha, was intercepted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard at 12:45 am on 24 November, after reports of its illegal entry into Maldivian waters. It was detained near HDh. Makunudhoo and subsequently escorted to Kulhudhuffushi for inspection.
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ބިލިއަނެއްހާ ރުފިޔާގެ މަސްތުވާތަކެތި އެތެރެކުރަން އުޅުނު ލަންކާގެ 5 މީހުން 30 ދުވަހަށް ބަންދުކުރުމަށް އަމުރުކޮށްފި https://t.co/gSwvACx2Tr— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) November 26, 2024
A joint operation by Kulhudhuffushi Police and the Coast Guard uncovered 468.6 kilograms of narcotics onboard, comprising 344 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 124.6 kilograms of cocaine. Authorities estimate the haul’s street value at approximately MVR 1 billion.
The five suspects, aged between 21 and 56, were identified by police on Tuesday as:
- Muttima Patabendige Amishk Sanjeeva Kumara, 22
- Rajpaksha Gamage Dinusha Madumal, 21
- Chamod Diwanga Dilakawa, 22
- Laurence Hewage Sarat, 56
- Wijeweera Gunaratne Mahavidome, 37
They appeared before the Kulhudhuffushi Magistrate Court on Monday, which ordered their detention in a custodial facility for 30 days pending further investigation.
In a press briefing on Sunday, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau refrained from confirming any links between the seized shipment and established drug networks in the Maldives, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The incident comes amid the government’s preparations to introduce stringent amendments to the Drugs Act. Proposed changes include the imposition of the death penalty for trafficking more than 400 grams of drugs into the country, underscoring efforts to combat the growing drug trade. Authorities continue to investigate the origins and intended destination of the shipment.
