President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that one of the top priorities is to completely rid the Maldives of drugs.

A Sri Lankan vessel that had illegally entered Maldivian waters was seized with 468 kg of drugs today. Police say the street value of the drugs seized from the fishing vessel, which was intercepted off the coast of HDh. Makunudhoo, amounts to MVR 1 billion.

Noting this incident, the President posted on X today, saying he acknowledges and thanks law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts in this area.

"At some point today, Maldivian security services have seized 468.6 kilograms of drugs from Maldivian waters. The street value of these substances is approximately MVR 1 billion. Completely ridding the Maldives of drugs is one of our top priorities," he said.

In a press conference held by the police today, Police Commissioner Ali Shujau said that the Sri Lankan fishing vessel was intercepted by the Coast Guard of MNDF at around 12:45 am last night.

Shujau said it was a vessel named "Athenkutha" and had five men on board. He said all of them were Sri Lankan nationals.

He said that when the vessel was brought to Kulhudhuffushi harbor this morning and searched under the supervision of the Coast Guard and police, drugs were found. According to the preliminary test results of the drugs found on the vessel, Shujau said it contained 344 kg of crystal meth and 124 kg of cocaine.