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Police raid illegal cigarette factory at private office
Sources indicate that the brand of cigarettes produced at the facility is called "HD."
Police on Thursday raided a suspected illegal cigarette manufacturing facility in Male and seized a large quantity of equipment.
The operation took place the first floor of H. Hulhugali, where a cigarette manufacturing and packaging facility was discovered on a portion of the first floor. Authorities began their search around 7:30 pm, following a tip-off regarding the illegal activity.
Police have confirmed that they are investigating a private company’s office in Male, suspected of being involved in the production of cigarettes. However, further details have not been disclosed at this time.
Eyewitnesses at the scene, including a journalist from Atoll Times, reported seeing police officers removing large black boxes from the premises and loading them onto a police pickup.
Sources indicate that the brand of cigarettes produced at the facility is called "HD." These cigarettes are reportedly packaged to resemble various imported brands and sold at lower prices than legally imported cigarettes in the Maldives.