Sri Lanka Begins Talks to Repatriate Fishermen Arrested in Maldivian Waters

COLOMBO (News 1st); Diplomatic discussions have begun to bring back the fishermen who were arrested in the Maldivian sea on suspicion of drug trafficking.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said the process is being carried out with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that a formal letter has already been sent to the Maldivian government.

Meanwhile, a special team from the Police Narcotics Bureau has left for the Maldives to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The fishermen were taken into custody after a Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessel was seized in the Maldivian sea on drug trafficking charges