Customs destroys 1.83 million smuggled cigarettes in Hithadhoo
The agency first announced the seizure in mid-September, estimating the duty payable on the shipment at MVR 15 million.
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Customs has destroyed 1.83 million cigarettes that were seized while being smuggled into Maldives, the agency said on Sunday.
The destruction took place on Saturday at the S. Hithadhoo commercial port.
In a statement issued Sunday night, Customs said the cigarettes were confiscated during an inspection carried out by Hithadhoo Customs officers. The shipment was an attempt to import cigarettes in violation of the Tobacco Control Act and the General Regulations on Tobacco Control.
Customs said the case remains under investigation.
The agency first announced the seizure in mid-September, estimating the duty payable on the shipment at MVR 15 million.
Following increases in cigarette prices late last year, authorities have observed a rise in counterfeit and smuggled cigarette brands in the market, creating an extensive black market. Customs said duties on tobacco products have been reduced multiple times in previous years.
