Authorities Seize 99,000 Cigarette Sticks Attempted to be Smuggled into the Maldives via Sea
Authorities seized 99,000 smuggled cigarettes concealed within sea freight at the Male’ Commercial Harbor on October 5, with investigations currently underway to identify those involved. This latest bust follows a series of recent enforcement actions, bringing the total contraband seized over the past six weeks to more than 2 million cigarettes and 7,000 vape sticks.
Vapes imported into the Maldives – Issues have recently surfaced regarding the import and sale of prohibited vape cartridges within the country. | MPS | Maldives police
The Maldives Customs Service has seized a large shipment of cigarettes attempted to be smuggled into the country via sea.
Customs announced on Saturday that they have seized 99,000 sticks of cigarettes attempted to be smuggled into the Maldives by sea.
The items were seized from the Male’ Commercial Harbor on the 5th of this month.
Customs stated that the items were attempted to be smuggled into the Maldives concealed within sea freight cargo. Authorities added that efforts are currently underway to identify the individuals involved in the shipment.
The matter is currently under further investigation.
Home Minister Ali Ihusan recently stated that Maldives Customs Service is working tirelessly to intercept prohibited items and goods being smuggled into the country, noting that 99,000 cigarette sticks were seized this month alone. Minister Ihusan further revealed that these intensified efforts have led to the seizure of approximately 7,000 vape sticks and 2 million cigarettes over the past month and a half.
