Joint Maritime Drug Bust: Sri Lankan Investigation Team Departs for Maldives

Colombo, Sri Lanka — A special team comprising members of Sri Lanka's security forces has departed for the Maldives to conduct a joint investigation into a major drug seizure made by Maldivian authorities.

The incident involves a fishing vessel and its crew who were intercepted and taken into custody by Maldivian security forces while transporting a significant quantity of illegal drugs.

Delegation Includes PNB and Navy

The Sri Lankan delegation includes senior officers from the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) and the Sri Lanka Navy. Their mission is to collaborate with Maldivian counterparts in the extensive investigation of the seized narcotics consignment and the six arrested fishermen.

The Maldivian security forces acted swiftly based on actionable intelligence shared by Sri Lanka's own security apparatus concerning a drug trafficking operation that utilizes the sea routes through or near Sri Lankan waters.

The intercepted vessel is reportedly being brought to a Maldivian port, where the joint team will commence their inspection and interrogation procedures. The cooperation underscores the growing regional efforts to combat maritime drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean. **(NewsCenter) **