Customs seizes 2.3 million cigarettes in anti-smuggling operation

The Maldives Customs Service on Monday announced the seizure of 2.3 million cigarette sticks during a maritime anti-smuggling operation conducted last week.

According to Customs, the operation took place on Wednesday and Thursday following intelligence received by authorities.

Officials stated that the cigarettes were discovered concealed within a sea freight shipment arriving in the Maldives.

“The seizure was the result of a targeted operation initiated based on credible intelligence reports,” a Customs official told the media.

The Maldives Police Service is conducting a further investigation into the case.

Customs released the following figures related to the seizure:

Authorities noted that cases involving the illicit trade of cigarettes have increased since the government raised tobacco import duties in late 2024.

There have also been reported incidents involving the theft of confiscated cigarette shipments while under Customs custody.