Sri Lankan newspapers have reported that a team of relevant authorities from Sri Lanka has been sent to the Maldives to investigate the drug vessel that was seized on the 7th of this month with the help of MNDF drones while illegally entering Maldivian waters.

MNDF stated on the 7th of this month that the vessel was discovered during a surveillance operation conducted by the Air Wing using drones, after a foreign vessel was identified operating illegally in Maldivian waters.

MNDF also said that the vessel was brought under the control of the Maldivian military during the operation. However, MNDF did not disclose any information about the vessel.

According to reports by Sri Lankan newspapers on the 8th of this month, the MNDF seized a vessel carrying 300 kilograms of heroin and ice (crystal meth). The reports also stated that six Sri Lankan fishermen on board the vessel were taken into MNDF custody.

Sri Lankan newspapers reported yesterday that a team of relevant authorities from Sri Lanka has arrived in the Maldives to investigate the case of drugs found on the Sri Lankan vessel.

Citing Sri Lanka's Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Sri Lankan newspapers reported that both Sri Lankan police and Sri Lankan Navy officers are providing assistance with the investigation.

The newspapers also reported that Minister Ananda Wijepala said efforts are being made to bring the Sri Lankan citizens on the vessel back to Sri Lanka.