Customs seize 99,000 smuggled cigarettes at Malé port
Customs said the cigarettes were seized on Thursday at the commercial port in Malé.
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The Maldives Customs Service seized 99,000 cigarettes that had been smuggled into the Maldives by sea.
Customs said the cigarettes were seized on Thursday at the commercial port in Malé.
Authorities did not provide further details about the seizure.
The government increased duties on cigarettes in late 2024. Since then, authorities have reported cases involving smuggled cigarettes and counterfeit brands.
Customs has also carried out previous operations targeting illegal cigarette imports.
Home Minister Ali Ihusan said on Thursday that customs officers had seized about 2 million cigarettes during operations conducted over the past six months.
Authorities said enforcement actions targeting smuggling of tobacco products are continuing.
