13m smuggled cigarettes seized
Based on the market prices of the brands included in the shipment, the estimated duty value is around MVR 122 million.
Maldives Customs Service on Saturday seized more than 13 million smuggled cigarettes, marking the largest seizure of its kind in recent history.
Authorities estimate that the duty on the confiscated items would amount to around MVR 122 million.
In a statement released Sunday, Customs revealed that the cigarettes were hidden inside a shipment of plywood and intercepted at the SeaCargo terminal during an operation based on intelligence reports.
The massive haul was discovered inside two 40-foot containers and included approximately 1,360 cases — totaling around 13.6 million individual cigarette sticks.
"This is the largest shipment of cigarettes ever seized in recent history," Customs said. "Based on the market prices of the brands included in the shipment, the estimated duty value is around MVR 122 million."
The seizure comes amid a recent surge in smuggling activities following the government’s decision late last year to significantly increase cigarette prices. As a result, the sale of counterfeit and illicit cigarettes has become more widespread across the country.
Customs has not yet disclosed if any arrests were made in connection with the seizure but reaffirmed their commitment to crack down on smuggling and protect public health.
