Sources indicate that a police officer had been involved in attempting to remove the cigarettes from the airport. Police have since requested further details from Customs regarding the matter.
Authorities have launched an investigation after cigarette cartons were discovered in a trash bag removed from the departure terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA).
Maldives Customs confirmed the discovery in a post on X last night, stating that they are investigating the case. However, they did not disclose the number of cigarette cartons found or whether any arrests had been made.
Sources indicate that a police officer had been involved in attempting to remove the cigarettes from the airport. Police have since requested further details from Customs regarding the matter.
Customs has previously intercepted large quantities of cigarette cartons being smuggled into Maldives as well.
Last November, amendments to the Tobacco Control Act banned the import and use of vapes in the country.
The law also prohibits importing items used to manufacture tobacco products, such as cigarette paper and bidis. The Act defines "tobacco products" as any substance containing tobacco or nicotine that can be inhaled, ingested, smelled, or applied to the body.
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