PNB and Fisheries Dept. to introduce vessel monitoring system to combat drug smuggling

The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) along with the Department of Fisheries will introduce a vessel monitoring system (VMS) as a counter-move against drug smuggling, a senior PNB official told Times Online.

A special device will be installed in all fishing boats and multiday trawlers thereby enabling the PNB and the Fisheries Department to track and monitor the movement of such vessels.

The project will be initially implemented in the North and East provinces which have been earmarked as popular drug trafficking hubs, the PNB official noted.

Steps would be taken to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the PNB and the Fisheries Department for the implementation of the project, the official further said.

The vessel monitoring devices would be issued to all fishing vessels by the Department of Fisheries following the signing of the agreement.

(Reporting by Damith Wickramasekara)