The Maldives Customs Service has established a special unit named "Maritime Surveillance and Border Protection".
This unit was established yesterday under the Customs Directorate of Enforcement and Border Security.
Customs Establishes Special Unit for Maritime Operations
Customs stated today that this section was created to monitor the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and customs-controlled areas, coordinate maritime operations with relevant authorities to stop the smuggling of drugs and prohibited goods, and strengthen the monitoring system for vessels under Customs jurisdiction. Furthermore, it aims to conduct surveillance work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies guarding the Maldives' borders to protect the area and stop illegal activities in the country's maritime economic zone.
For the purposes of this section, Customs stated that two 30-foot patrol vessels will be brought in next month with the assistance of the Japanese government, and an additional 85-foot patrol vessel will be brought in next year. Customs also stated that these boats will be operated by Customs employees trained in Japan. In addition to Japan, discussions are underway with the Chinese Embassy to acquire vessels needed for this section from China.
Customs has also unveiled the official uniform, t-shirt kit, and special logo for the officers operating in this section.
