Confiscated contraband cigarettes destroyed in Addu

Maldives Customs Service today destroyed 1.8 million cigarette sticks that were seized after being illegally smuggled into the country.

In a statement released by Maldives Customs, it was confirmed that the 1.8 million cigarette sticks, which had been intercepted while being brought into the Maldives in violation of regulations, were destroyed.

The consignment was seized at the Hithadhoo Port in Addu after customs officials at Hithadhoo Port inspected a shipment being brought into the Maldives via sea.

Customs confirmed that the destruction of the cigarettes took place within the premises of Addu Hithadhoo Port Limited.

The agency stated that these goods were imported into the Maldives in violation of the Tobacco Control Act and the General Regulations on Tobacco Control. Customs added that the case is still under investigation as per the Customs Act.

This is not the first instance of a large-scale destruction of illegal cigarettes; last October, Customs also destroyed over three million cigarette sticks that had been seized for illegal importation.