Customs Establishes Maritime Surveillance and Border Protection Section

The Maldives Customs Service established a new Maritime Surveillance and Border Protection Section to combat drug trafficking and border crimes. The section will use advanced surveillance including drones, and collaborate with MNDF Coastguard. Customs is procuring vessels: a previously purchased patrol vessel; two 30-foot vessels donated by Japan arriving in May; and an 85-foot Japanese grant vessel expected in early 2025. Training is ongoing, with eight officers to train in Japan. International support from the Chinese Embassy and US EXBS programme has been secured. A special force is being formed.

The Maldives Customs Service established a new Maritime Surveillance and Border Protection Section to combat drug trafficking and border crimes. The section will use advanced surveillance including drones, and collaborate with MNDF Coastguard. Customs is procuring vessels: a previously purchased patrol vessel; two 30-foot vessels donated by Japan arriving in May; and an 85-foot Japanese grant vessel expected in early 2025. Training is ongoing, with eight officers to train in Japan. International support from the Chinese Embassy and US EXBS programme has been secured. A special force is being formed.

The Maldives Customs Service established a new Maritime Surveillance and Border Protection Section to combat drug trafficking and border crimes. The section will use advanced surveillance including drones, and collaborate with MNDF Coastguard. Customs is procuring vessels: a previously purchased patrol vessel; two 30-foot vessels donated by Japan arriving in May; and an 85-foot Japanese grant vessel expected in early 2025. Training is ongoing, with eight officers to train in Japan. International support from the Chinese Embassy and US EXBS programme has been secured. A special force is being formed.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of security / maritime.