Maldives Police Service has revealed several kilograms of drugs were found on an Iranian vessel that went ashore in Maldivian waters.
Eight people were on the vessel, which was set ablaze after it went ashore on the northern most atoll in Maldives, Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shifan said at a joint press briefing held by the Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to reveal the progress of the investigation on an Iranian vessel travelling with a large number of narcotics.
Out of the eight people found, seven are Iranians with one Pakistani national, revealed the Chief Superintendent. He added the eight people are currently under police custody.
Noting that a total of 115 kilograms of drugs were found on the vessel, Ahmed Shifan stated it includes fourteen types of drugs. Maldives Police said an investigation has so far revealed the drugs were not intended to be smuggled into Maldives.
Moreover, Principle Director of MNDF, Director Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Saleem said the vessel was reported by fishermen and lauded the support of fishermen in maintaining national security.