Boat captain arrested in connection with cigarette container theft

A man suspected of being the captain of the boat used to steal two containers of cigarettes, which were seized by Customs while being smuggled into the Maldives and stored at MPL Hulhumalé Port, has been arrested and remanded for one week.

The individual arrested on suspicion of being the boat's captain during the container theft is Adam Waheed, 54, from Kenereege, N. Miladhoo. At the time of his arrest, he was residing in an apartment in one of the towers built for MPL employees in Hulhumalé Phase2.

According to the Criminal Court remand order, he is suspected of a major criminal offense due to his alleged involvement in the theft. He was remanded for only seven days, as the defense attorney requested a shorter period because the accused had not been given the opportunity to meet with and consult his counsel.

The two containers of cigarettes, which were seized by Customs on the night of April 26 last year while being smuggled under the name of Saudi Arabia's Binladin Group, were stored at MPL's Hulhumalé Port. Five people had previously been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the theft of the containers, which were under MPL's custody.

With the arrest of the boat captain, a total of six people have now been arrested in connection with this case.

The arrested individuals are Adam Waheed, Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), Hassan Abdu'rahman, Lotus owner Ahmed Aarif (Aattey), Zivar Ismail (a senior Customs employee working at Hulhumalé Port), and Muaz Ali, 48 (a former Senior Superintendent of Customs).

Dhigali was remanded for 10 days and Aattey for 15 days. Dhigali is suspected of funding the theft. Muaz was remanded for 10 days, and Zivar for 15 days. They are accused of being involved in the "smuggling out operation" and actively planning and executing the act.

The police previously stated that 12 people have been banned from leaving the country in connection with the cigarette container theft, and six MPL employees have been suspended. However, the police have not yet disclosed any information regarding these individuals.

The two stolen 40-foot containers held 1,360 cases of cigarettes, totaling 13.6 million cigarette sticks. Customs estimates that the duty on these 13.6 million cigarettes, based on the generally determined prices for the seized brands, would amount to MVR 122 million. The goods were being held pending the conclusion of the investigation.