Customs conducts operation to find tobacco contraband

Customs has begun an operation where they crack down on illegally imported tobacco products and the sale of said products.

Customs has said that smoking products that violate the Tobacco Control Act are being brought into and sold in Maldives.

They also said that they are taking necessary steps against these actions.

Under the Tobacco Control Act, importing any raw materials used in making cigars and cigarettes is strictly prohibited and can only be done with proper licensing.

Customs also said that the import of any product that falls under the act will see them taking actionable steps.

Customs has advised consumers not to conduct any transactions concerning tobacco products deemed to have been imported illegally and without the warning notice issued by the Ministry of Health.

They have also advised individuals to report any instance of transactions regarding these products and to call them at 1416.

There has been an increase in such offenses in the recent past, with Customs confiscating two 40-foot containers found to be carrying 1,360 cases of cigarettes, equivalent to 13.6 million sticks concealed within a plywood shipment on 26th April. The name of the importing company is yet to be revealed.