- Sri Lanka Navy co-ordinates with Maldives Coast Guard
- Five from Dondra, Trinco in ‘Ashen Putha’ trawler arrested
- 344 kg ICE, 124 kg of Cocaine worth around Rs.3,700 Mn seized
Following a successful intelligence-sharing operation between the Sri Lanka Navy and the Maldivian Coast Guard, a Sri Lankan fishing trawler carrying about 344 kg of crystal methamphetamine and about 124 kg of cocaine was seized by Maldivian Coast Guard on November 23.The operation also led to the apprehension of five suspects in connection with the incident.Sources said the street value of the seized drugs was over Rs.3,700 million.
The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, established at the Navy Headquarters, was alerted in the early hours of November 23 by the Maldivian Coast Guard’s MRCC regarding the Sri Lankan multi-day fishing trawler Ashen Putha (Reg. No. IMUL–A–0924–MTR).
The trawler had reportedly entered the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting Maldivian authorities to request verification on whether the trawler was experiencing mechanical issues or distress.
The Navy promptly reviewed its records on the trawler upon receiving the information.
Based on available intelligence, it was identified that the multi-day fishing trawler was linked to drug trafficking. Acting swiftly with the instructions of the Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Navy shared this intelligence with the Maldivian Coast Guard to facilitate co-ordinated action.
Based on intelligence provided by the Sri Lanka Navy, the Maldivian Coast Guard launched a special search operation on November 23, targeting the multi-day trawler that had entered the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The operation uncovered around 344 kg of crystal methamphetamine and about 124 kg of cocaine on board. The trawler, along with five (5) suspects and narcotics, was subsequently seized by the Maldivian Coast Guard.
The suspects apprehended in this operation were identified as residents of Dondra and Trincomalee, aged between 21 and 37. The Navy Intelligence and the Maldivian Intelligence Units are jointly investigating whether this narcotic consignment was destined for Sri Lanka or another country in the region.
The Navy actively collaborates with regional maritime stakeholders to exchange information and conduct operations aimed at apprehending individuals involved in drug trafficking under the pretense of engaging in the fishing industry.
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