Indian authorities have intercepted a drug consignment worth MVR 59 million that was allegedly being smuggled from India to the Maldives. The operation, conducted jointly by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), took place on March 5, 2025 in the Gulf of Mannar, a region between India’s Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
According to The Hindu, the operation was launched following a tip-off from the DRI, indicating that a vessel carrying illicit drugs was en route from Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) to Malé City. Acting on the intelligence, the ICG deployed two ships to intercept the vessel at around 20:00 Indian time.
Upon interception, ICG officers boarded the vessel and detained the crew members, subsequently escorting the boat to Thoothukudi Harbor for further investigation. The vessel and its nine-member crew were officially handed over to the DRI on March 7 for legal proceedings.
Authorities confirmed that the seized contraband consisted of 39 kilograms of hashish oil, which carries an estimated international market value of MVR 59 million. Images released by The Hindu show that the drugs had been hidden inside snack packages in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
This marks the second instance this year in which Indian authorities have thwarted an attempt to smuggle hashish oil to the Maldives. In January 2025, Indian officials intercepted a yacht carrying 12 kilograms of hashish oil, which was allegedly being transported from Tuticorin to Malé City.
While Indian media has extensively reported on the recent drug bust, Maldivian authorities have not yet made any official comments regarding the seizure. The incident raises further concerns about drug trafficking networks operating between India and the Maldives, as authorities continue to crack down on narcotics smuggling in the region.
