Bangladeshi National Remanded in Ongoing Cigarette Smuggling Investigation

A 45-year-old Bangladeshi man arrested in connection with the suspected smuggling of 32 cartons of cigarettes has claimed in court that the items were given to him by another individual.

Abdul Kareem was apprehended on 24 May in relation to a police operation targeting the illegal importation of cigarettes. The Criminal Court initially remanded him for 15 days, and this was extended by a further 15 days following a hearing on Sunday.

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According to police, the Manchester brand cigarette cartons were discovered on a boat docked at the Thilafushi Boatyard during a search conducted by Vilimalé Police Station in the early hours of 24 March. The brand is among the most commonly smuggled into the Maldives, especially following recent increases in tobacco duties. These products are frequently sold at discounted prices on the black market.

Police also revealed that Kareem had been residing in the Maldives illegally. During the court hearing, he reportedly claimed the cigarettes were given to him by another person. However, according to the remand order, he has yet to provide any information that could identify this individual.

The court noted that the evidence presented thus far is sufficient to raise reasonable suspicion against Kareem.

Tobacco control measures introduced by the government in recent years have included the prohibition of vaping products and a significant increase in duties on tobacco imports. These changes have contributed to the expansion of an illicit market for cigarettes across the country.