Containers replaced, boat re-registered in 13 million cigarette theft

Police on Tuesday revealed that two containers of confiscated cigarettes stolen from the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) port in Hulhumalé in April had been replaced with duplicate containers, and the boat used in the theft had its name and registration number changed.

The stolen containers, seized earlier for smuggling, contained cigarettes worth more than MVR 13 million, with a duty value of MVR 122 million.

Police said nine people have been arrested in connection with the case, and 19 individuals have been placed under travel bans. Searches were conducted at five vehicles and 21 locations in Malé, Hulhumalé, and Thilafushi.

According to police, the theft involved the preparation of two identical containers to replace the confiscated ones stored at the port. The stolen containers were loaded onto a boat, which was later altered to conceal its identity. Parts of the original containers were later recovered from a site in Thilafushi.

Those arrested include individuals accused of planning, funding, and executing the theft, as well as the boat’s captain and employees from the companies involved.

Seven of the suspects have been remanded in custody pending trial:

Two other MPL employees — Hussain Samih and Ahmed Shaheem — were remanded for 16 days on Tuesday.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information regarding the theft, the stolen cigarettes, or unauthorised cigarette imports to contact the Major Crime Investigation Department at 9911099.