Customs seizes over 8.5 million cigarettes at Malé commercial harbour
In May, Customs seized 2.3 million cigarettes in a separate operation. Large quantities of cigarettes were also seized in March.
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Maldives Customs Service has seized more than 8.5 million cigarettes that authorities suspect were being smuggled into the country by sea.
Customs said the cigarettes were discovered during a special operation conducted at the Malé Commercial Harbour on Sunday after authorities received information that a shipment could contain goods imported in violation of laws and regulations.
According to Customs, officers inspected a shipment that had been declared as “general cargo” and found a large quantity of cigarettes concealed inside.
The shipment contained more than 8.5 million cigarette sticks, Customs said.
The goods have been taken into Customs custody and an investigation is under way.
Customs has made several seizures involving large quantities of cigarettes this year.
In May, Customs seized 2.3 million cigarettes in a separate operation. Large quantities of cigarettes were also seized in March.
