In a joint operation with the Maldives Police Service (MPS), Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has caught a foreign vessel attempting smuggle drugs into the country.

In a statement released on Monday, MNDF said that operation was conducted on Saturday night.

The foreign vessel was taken into custody 127 nautical miles from Thuraakunu island in Haa Ali atoll, whish is 27.5 nautical miles into Maldives’ special economic zone.

MNDF said that it received an alert of the vessel - suspected of transporting drugs- from the Indian Coast Guard, MNDF said that they were also notified that a Maldivian vessel was attempting to pick up the shipment.

This vessel, “Heydhakuri-7” was also taken into custody in the operation. Authorities are currently working to transfer the vessels to the capital.

Further noting that the foreign vessel had an Iranian flag, MNDF said that they are yet to find any documents confirming the country it is registered to.

There were six crew members aboard the foreign vessel, with two Maldivians and two expatriates on “Heydhakuri-7.”

Police continues to investigate the case.

Indian news outlets had, on Sunday, reported that the boat travelling under the Iranian flag was en route from Pakistan and that it was carrying over 150 kg of heroin.