34,500 cartons of cigarettes missing from Male bonded warehouse

Authorities are investigating the disappearance of 34,500 cartons of cigarettes from a bonded warehouse in Male.

The estimated value of the lost goods exceeds MVR 7 million.

Home minister Ali Ihsan did not provide a direct comment on the matter but addressed it in a post on X on Saturday. According to the minister, the incident occurred at a bonded warehouse located in a residential house.

"Customs records indicate the goods were in the warehouse, but it was reported that the owner had abandoned the premises and was engaged in other activities," Ihsan stated.

The investigation is being jointly conducted by Maldives Customs Service and Maldives Police Service. Legal action is being pursued, though additional details have not been disclosed.

Ihsan noted that bonded warehouses have been operating in residential houses and apartments in the city for several years, secured with dual locks held separately by customs. However, he acknowledged security concerns with this arrangement.

To address the issue, the government has mandated that bonded warehouses must now be operated in locations fully controlled by customs authorities.