Somalis discovered adrift in Maldivian waters repatriated

The Somalis who were discovered adrift in Maldivian waters over the past three years have been repatriated to Somalia.

The police said in a statement that 40 Somalis who were discovered since 2009 were sent back yesterday, following collaborative efforts by the Maldivian government and UNODC.

The operation to send back the Somalis was carried out by the Maldives Police Service Serious and Organised Crime Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration Department, and Aviation Security.

The police said that they were under police supervision in Dhoonidhoo until now, and that they were sent to their homeland on a charter flight with tightened security.