Cigarettes Seized in Malé Raid to Be Destroyed; Company’s Business Permit Canceled

Authorities have granted approval for the destruction of illegally manufactured cigarettes seized from a residence in Malé, while the business permit of the company responsible has been revoked.

The Maldives Police Service raided the house, H. Hulhugali, on 30 January following a tip-off about cigarette production at the location. The operation was conducted under a court order and led to the seizure of 103 cardboard boxes containing cigarettes and tobacco.

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The company behind the operation has been identified as Radius Private Limited. According to a Police spokesperson, the Ministry of Economic Development has revoked the business permit issued to the company, while the Ministry of Health has authorised the destruction of the confiscated cigarettes.

The price of cigarettes in the Maldives has risen significantly due to an increase in import duty. Meanwhile, concerns over illicit cigarette trade have gained attention, with a recent case uncovering the sale of illegally imported cigarettes that did not feature mandatory warning labels.