8,450 cartons of cigarettes seized: Customs

Maldives Customs Service has said last night that over 8000 cartons of cigarettes were illegally brought into the country on a fuel tanker of Hawks Pvt Ltd, one of the leading importers and distributors of petrol and diesel.

Customs said in a statement that they had received reports that 'MT Hawks Javaahiru', which arrived in Maldives last Thursday, was attempting to smuggle in a large amount of cigarettes. They subsequently carried out a special operation, through which a high number of cigarette cartons were seized.

In relation to this, Customs Officers are still actively carrying out the operation in Thilafushi. They said that under a court order, currently the 'Hawks Boatyard' is being searched, as there is suspicion that more cigarette cartons may be stored there.

"So far in this operation, approximately 1695 million cigarette sticks of Manchester brand have been found during the search of Hawks Boatyard, in the accommodation block and workshop. These cigarettes have now been seized by Customs," the statement reads.

1,695 million cigarette sticks is equivalent to 8,450 cartons, or 84,500 packs.

Customs said that the cigarettes that were brought in on MT Hawks Javaahiru was taken to Thilafushi on a local boat owned by the company, Hawks Roadhi', and stored at the boatyard. The unloading of the cigarettes was carried out at around 22:00 hrs on Friday night, Customs said.

Customs said that as there are allegations of smuggling in this case, the matter is being further investigated.

Customs assured that it would not hesitate to implement the Customs Act to its fullest.

A senior official of Hawks Pvt Ltd said to Mihaaru News that this has no connection to the company.

"We are also hearing that this was done by some employees in connection with some foreigners, with no involvement of the management. Our management only learned of this when Police also came with a court order to search the premises," the official said.

He said that an internal investigation will also be conducted at the company. He assured that the company would offer full cooperation to State authorities looking into the matter.