Maldives Customs Service has revealed that two employees were dismissed following the case of illegally imported vehicles which surfaced during 2019.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s Fala Suruhee program, newly-appointed Commissioner General of Customs Abdulla Shareef revealed that the major issue of illegally imported vehicles arose during 2019.

Shareef stated that a lot of people’s negligence was observed in the case, stressing that the regulations followed under opening containers makes it mandatory for dockworkers, staff of the customs and an Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) official to be present and observe what is being unloaded.

In this regard, two employees at the customs office have since been dismissed from their posts after being found guilty of involvement.

Shareef highlighted that the case is still ongoing and other issues were also identified through investigations, such as negligence from other relevant authorities.

He added that things will only be amended through joint efforts and this is everyone’s responsibility.

During August 2019, customs revealed that 12 motorcycles, two pickup trucks, two trucks and three cars were imported illegally under the name of importing wood and they were all confiscated. The costs and freight for these goods is priced at MVR 586,000, customs estimated.