Expat arrested over cigarette heist at Hulhumale' port

A Bangladeshi national has been arrested in connection with the theft of cigarette containers at Maldives Ports Limited’s (MPL) Hulhumale' port.

Police said Mohamed Alamin Mia was arrested on Wednesday, becoming the first expatriate detained in the case. He was presented before the court, which ordered him to remain in custody pending trial.

The theft, reported last month, involved two 40-foot containers carrying 1,360 cases of cigarettes, a total of 13.6 million cigarettes valued at MVR 122 million at regulated prices.

So far, 10 people have been arrested, including two businessmen accused of financing the operation, Lotus owner Ahmed Aarif, and Apollo Holdings owner Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali). Former customs officer Muaz Ali, senior customs officer Ziwar Ismail, and speedboat captain Adam Waheed, who transported the containers, have also been detained until trial.

Customs said the smuggled cigarette boxes were discovered during an operation at the Hulhumale' sea-cargo terminal following a tip off about attempts to illegally bring the containers into the country.