Over 84,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes seized in Maldives
According to Customs, the estimated value of these items stands at MVR 8.5 million, calculated at MVR 100 per box.
Customs has recovered more than 84,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes, with searches still ongoing, the agency announced Sunday.
The operation, which began last Friday, led to the seizure of 1.695 million cigarette sticks so far, equivalent to:
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84,750 boxes
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8,475 cartons
According to Customs, the estimated value of these items stands at MVR 8.5 million, calculated at MVR 100 per box.
The items were reportedly brought in by a ship named MT Hawks Jewelle, which arrived in the Maldives on Thursday under the representation of Hawks.
Customs reported that the cigarettes were transferred to Thilafushi on a Hawks-owned vessel. The cigarettes were then unloaded from the vessel and loaded onto a truck registered under the company’s name, with the incident taking place around 10 pm on Friday.
“The shipyard where the items were unloaded is suspected to contain additional cigarettes, and a search is underway. So far, Manchester brand cigarettes amounting to approximately 1.695 million sticks have been recovered from the accommodation and workshop areas,” Customs stated.
The seized items are now under the custody of Customs, which has launched an investigation into the suspected smuggling operation. In its statement, the agency emphasised that it will take action based on intelligence gathered during the inspection and documentation of goods.
Customs also expressed its commitment to enforcing laws concerning illegal imports. The agency acknowledged the assistance of the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in this operation.
