Third arrest made in airport cigarette smuggling probe
Two other individuals were arrested on Tuesday night in relation to the case but were released on conditions by the court on Wednesday.
A third individual has been arrested in connection with an attempt to smuggle a large number of cartons of cigarettes from the departure hall of Velana International Airport (VIA).
Police confirmed that Mohamed Aiham, 23, of Gaskara, N. Velidhoo, was taken into custody on Wednesday. The Criminal Court has remanded him for 10 days.
Two other individuals were arrested on Tuesday night in relation to the case but were released on conditions by the court on Wednesday. They are:
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Ahmed Afsal, 48.
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Yousuf Nazeer, 38.
Yousuf Nazeer, a police sergeant, was suspended from duty without pay following his arrest.
Some media outlets have reported that the cigarettes involved were from a duty-free shop in the departure hall of VIA. However, police and customs have not provided further details. Investigations are ongoing.
