Customs Employee Arrested for Illegally Importing Cigarettes Worth RF 1.6 Million

In a recent session with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Security Services, Customs Commissioner General Yoosuf Maniu disclosed that action has been taken against a customs employee for their involvement in smuggling cigarettes into the Maldives. This arrest follows the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit cigarettes.

Commissioner General Maniu explained that a customs employee, who was stationed near a scanning machine, was suspended after a large quantity of cigarettes intended for import through a cigarette container and air cargo were intercepted. This interception occurred in June, with customs officials seizing 173 cartons, amounting to 1.7 million cigarettes, in a joint operation conducted by the police and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The smuggled cigarettes, valued at RF 1.6 million, were part of an elaborate scheme to bypass customs procedures. Maniu stated that some of the shipment was deliberately released into the city to track down and identify the perpetrators involved in this illegal activity.

In addition to this significant seizure, customs authorities also intercepted another shipment of cigarettes disguised as tissue paper. This discovery underscores the persistent efforts by smugglers to introduce contraband into the country through various deceptive means.

The coordinated efforts between customs officials, the police, and the MNDF highlight the ongoing vigilance and dedication to curbing illegal activities and maintaining national security. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to dismantle the smuggling network and bring all responsible parties to justice.