Maldives Customs has yet to reveal the identity of the company involved in the attempted smuggling of more than 13 million cigarettes hidden inside a plywood shipment.
The operation, which took place on the night of April 26 at Hulhumale' Sea-Cargo Terminal, was based on intelligence received by authorities.
Upon inspection, two 40-foot containers were found to be carrying 1,360 cases of cigarettes, equivalent to 13.6 million sticks concealed within a plywood shipment.
However, Customs has withheld the name of the importing company, citing that the case is still under investigation.
In response to a request for information under the Right to Information Act on May 6, the agency stated that disclosing the company’s identity could interfere with the ongoing investigation. Customs assured that relevant information would be made public once the investigation is complete.
According to the agency, the estimated market value of the seized cigarettes is MVR 122 million. The import of cigarettes into the Maldives is strictly regulated under the Tobacco Labeling Regulations, which require health warnings with photographic images to be displayed on cigarette packaging.
Additionally, proper permits are required to legally bring such products into the country.
Customs said that the shipment violated these regulations.