Customs Seizes Over 2.3 Million Smuggled Cigarettes at Malé Commercial Port
Authorities said the estimated duty evasion linked to the seized cigarettes amounts to MVR 18.7 million, while the fine imposed for the illegal import totals MVR 2.05 million.
The Maldives Customs Service has seized more than 2.3 million contraband cigarette sticks during a special anti-smuggling operation conducted at the Malé Commercial Port.
According to Customs, the shipment containing 2,304,200 cigarette sticks was intercepted during a targeted two-day operation carried out on 14 and 15 May following intelligence reports of an attempt to smuggle tobacco products concealed inside a sea freight shipment.
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Authorities said the estimated duty evasion linked to the seized cigarettes amounts to MVR 18.7 million, while the fine imposed for the illegal import totals MVR 2.05 million.
Customs described the case as a serious attempt at illicit trade and confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
No information has yet been released regarding the vessel involved in the shipment, and authorities have not confirmed whether any arrests have been made.
The seizure comes amid an increase in tobacco smuggling attempts since the government introduced stricter tobacco control measures in late 2024, including a ban on vaping products and a significant increase in cigarette import duties.
