The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has announced the arrest of a Senior Sergeant in connection with the theft of several cigarette cartons under the custody of the Vilimalé Police Station.

The arrested individual has been identified as Munawwar Adam, from Dhigurah island of Alif Dhaal atoll, who holds the rank of Senior Sergeant within the police force.

The investigation into the incident began as a joint inquiry between the Maldives Police Service and the National Integrity Commission (NIC) after it was discovered that multiple cigarette cartons held at the Vilimalé Police Station were missing. The investigation is reportedly being conducted collaboratively due to the suspected involvement of a police officer. Munawwar Adam has also been suspended in connection with the case.

Authorities had previously stated that they were investigating the disappearance of six out of 32 cigarette cartons seized from an expatriate on 23 May 2025, on suspicion of being illegally imported into the Maldives and subsequently kept at the Vilimalé Police Station.

The discrepancy of six cartons was discovered on 12 November 2025, when the items were being prepared for handover to Customs.

During the ongoing inquiry, police also noted that 25 cartons of cigarettes seized from two expatriates on 23 December 2024, and held under the custody of Vilimalé Police Station, were missing.

This incident follows other cases in which significant quantities of cigarettes under state custody have disappeared, including a large consignment from Vilimalé.

Previously, not a single cigarette was recovered by the police from the 13 million cigarettes stolen while under the custody of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).

The recurrent theft of illegally imported cigarettes while under state custody has led many to suggest significant involvement from senior state officials.

Opposition parties have alleged that President Muizzu’s decision to increase cigarette prices was not motivated by genuine concern, but rather aimed at creating opportunities for his close associates to engage in illicit cigarette trade.