Sunday
15th Jun 2025
Dhivehi Edition
Abdul Kareem (45), A Bangladeshi national, Photo: Police
A Bangladeshi national has been arrested in connection with the illegal import and trade of tobacco products in the Maldives, amid a growing crackdown on tobacco-related offenses.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Abdul Kareem, was apprehended during an operation carried out by the Vilimalé Police in the early hours of May 23. According to police, Kareem was found to be residing illegally in the country at the time of arrest.
The arrest was made during a search of a vessel docked at the Thilafushi Boatyard, where officers discovered 32 cartons of Manchester brand cigarettes suspected to have been illegally imported into the Maldives.
Kareem was subsequently presented to court for a detention hearing, where a 15-day remand order was issued. Police have confirmed that investigations into the case are ongoing.
This arrest comes amid heightened enforcement efforts following a recent spike in tobacco smuggling attempts. Notably, on April 27, Maldives Customs seized over 13 million cigarettes that were being smuggled into the country—one of the largest busts in recent history.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing tobacco control laws and curbing illegal trade in line with the government’s anti-tobacco agenda.