Steps to bolster port security have begun: MPL

MPL said that they have begun work with agencies to bolster port security in regards to the disappearance of 13.6 million cigarettes that were seized by customs in April last year and held at MPL Hulhumale' port.

The 13.6 million cigarettes that went missing from the MPL Hulhumale' port were brought under Saudi Arabia’s Binladin Group's name in two 40-foot containers, with Customs finding out the cigarettes went missing from both containers on 8th October. Police began an investigation right after the incident occurred.

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

As per MPL's press release yesterday, their port security abides by the framework determined by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. The port has also always been audited by the ISPS and maintained via a system that meets their standards.

MPL has said that they have begun working together with security agencies, law enforcement agencies and ministries in order to strengthen their "security architecture".

MPL also stated that discussions have started with Customs, Defense Ministry, Home Ministry and the Prosecutor General's Office in order to ensure an incident such as this does not repeat.

MPL went on to say that they are working together with Customs to bolster the procedures they follow and the steps they take in regards to the seized products at customs that are kept at the port. MPL's press release reads that the most important change they will be making is designating a specific area for seized products by customs and strengthening security measures.

In addition to that, a team of capable and experienced maritime commanders will be determined, with a security audit regarding Male' commercial harbor and Hulhumale' International Terminal having been started as well.

MPL also said that plans have been made to conduct strategic work with security agencies in order to further bolster port security by taking changes and the health of the environment into account.

Six MPL employees have been suspended in relation to the disappearance of the 13.6 million cigarettes. MPL stated that they will not hesitate to take action against those who were involved, and that they will implement steps to ensure an incident like this does not repeat again. They said they will also bolster their operation systems and port security.

"The biggest aim of this company is to maintain the trust between our company, businesses and the general public," as per the press release.

In regards to the key people who masterminded and ran the operation, police have arrested Apollo CEO Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali) and Lotus owner Ahmed Arif (Aattey), former Senior Superintendent of Customs Muaz Ali (H. New Happiness) and a senior officer of a Customs Department Ziwar Ismail. They were arrested via a court order.

Muaz has been accused of seeking bribes for importing 430 cigarette cases, with the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) having requested the Prosecutor General's (PG) office charge him this month.

Muaz is currently the General Manager (Engineering Projects) at the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO).

Authorities told the media that 12 people have been placed under a travel ban due to the investigation.

The shipment consisted of 1,360 cigarette cases in two 40-foot containers, totaling 13,600,000 cigarettes. This would amount to MVR 122 million in import duty for the state, as per Customs.