13.6 million seized cigarettes go missing at MPL Hulhumale' port

More than 13.6 million cigarettes seized by customs in April last year have disappeared from MPL Hulhumale' port, authorities have confirmed.

The shipment, consisting of 1,360 cases in two 40-foot containers, had been placed in the custody of MPL after customs completed documentation.

The cigarettes were not destroyed at the time, as the investigation into their smuggling was still ongoing.

A senior customs official told Mihaaru News that the loss was discovered last night and that an investigation has now been launched.

The containers were initially found among a plywood shipment at the Hulhumale' International Terminal on 26 April 2024.

The smuggling investigation has been completed and the case is being sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Customs has not disclosed the name of the company that imported the cigarettes.