No arrests yet in case of 13.6 million missing cigarettes

Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with the disappearance of more than 13.6 million cigarettes seized by customs at the MPL Hulhumale' port.

The cigarettes, smuggled into the Maldives under the name of Saudi Arabia’s Bin Laden Group in April last year, were discovered missing from two 40-foot containers on the night of 8 October.

The containers held a total of 1,360 cases, equivalent to 13.6 million sticks, with an estimated value of MVR 122 million.

Police are investigating the incident, but have not provided comment to the media.

Sources familiar with the case told Mihaaru News that no arrests have been made so far.

“The investigation is going very fast,” one source said.

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) confirmed on 9 October that an internal investigation into the missing cigarettes is ongoing. The company stated that it cannot provide further details while the police investigation is underway, and that any necessary action will be taken following completion of the internal review.

A senior customs official said that the containers had been seized and placed in MPL custody after documentation was completed, and the items were not yet destroyed as the investigation into the shipment was not yet finished.

Customs had initially seized the smuggled cigarette boxes in a plywood shipment at the Hulhumalé Sea-Cargo Terminal. According to Tobacco Labeling Regulations, cigarettes can only be imported with the required labeling and permissions, which were violated in this case.