Over 130,000 cigarettes seized at Addu airport
According to Customs, a total of 130,155 cigarette sticks were confiscated Saturday.
Maldives Customs has seized more than 130,000 cigarette sticks at Gan International Airport.
According to Customs, a total of 130,155 cigarette sticks were confiscated Saturday. The seizure is part of ongoing efforts to curb the smuggling of tobacco products following recent legislative changes.
Customs stated that an increase in cigarette smuggling cases has been observed since amendments to the Import Export Act came into force in November last year. These amendments included an increase in import duty on cigarettes.
As a result of the increased duty, the retail price of cigarettes has risen, and there has been a reported increase in the sale of low-quality cigarettes on the black market. Law enforcement authorities have previously raided an unauthorised cigarette manufacturing operation in connection with these developments.
In 2007, legislative changes were also introduced to restrict cigarette sales to minors, aiming to prevent early addiction to tobacco. The latest seizure is part of broader regulatory and enforcement measures targeting tobacco-related violations.
