Customs Investigates Illegal Removal of Cigarettes and Tobacco from Warehouse
Photo credit: MV+
The Maldives Police Service and Maldives Customs Service are investigating two cases involving the illegal removal of a total of 575 cases of cigarettes and other tobacco products from bonded warehouses.
According to Customs, 165 cases of Camel Yellow brand cigarettes, 110 cases of American Legend brand cigarettes, and 300 cases of Manchester Royal Red brand cigarettes were unlawfully removed from EXOTIC ENTERPRISES BONDED WAREHOUSE. Additionally, 250 cases of American Legend brand cigarettes and 130 cases of Afzal Molasses brand pipe tobacco were seized from SGM BONDED WAREHOUSE, which was also found to have been involved in unauthorised removals.
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As a result, the registration of both bonded warehouses has been cancelled according to the Customs, and Customs has forwarded the outstanding dues, MVR 47,182,011.86 from EXOTIC ENTERPRISES BONDED WAREHOUSE and MVR 20,720,412.54 from SGM BONDED WAREHOUSE to the Attorney General’s Office for legal proceedings.
In an effort to strengthen regulatory oversight, amendments have been made to the General Rules of Customs, prohibiting the storage of tobacco products in bonded warehouses and restricting the construction of such facilities within residential buildings or sections of buildings.
