Indian authorities have intercepted a drug smuggling attempt involving USD 3.7 million (MVR 58 million) worth of narcotics destined for the Maldives.

The operation was carried out jointly by the Indian Coast Guard and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Based on intelligence provided by the DRI, two Indian Coast Guard vessels were deployed to intercept a suspicious boat departing from Thoothukudi.

The vessel was stopped south of the Gulf of Mannar on March 5 around 8:00 p.m.

Upon inspection, officials discovered approximately 30 kilograms of hashish oil, valued at USD 3.7 million on the international market.

The boat’s crew was arrested, and the vessel was escorted to Thoothukudi port for further investigation.

Indian authorities confirmed that nine crew members were handed over to the DRI on Friday for ongoing inquiries.