Police officer arrested over disappearance of cigarettes from Vilimale' police station

A police officer has been arrested today in connection with the disappearance of 31 cartons of cigarettes that were under the custody of the Vilimale' Police Station, stemming from two separate cases.

A police media official identified the arrested individual as Munawwar Adam, 39, of Shabnameege, ADh. Dhigurah. He holds the rank of Senior Sergeant within the police force and has been suspended following his arrest.

The investigation into this case is currently proceeding as a joint investigation between the police and the National Integrity Commission, the police media official said.  

Initially, six cartons of cigarettes were taken into custody from a foreign national on May 23, 2025. Their disappearance was discovered on May 12 during preparations for handover to Customs.

Further investigation revealed an additional 25 cartons missing, which had also been taken from two foreign nationals on December 23, 2024. The Professional Standards Command is managing the administrative aspect, while a separate criminal investigation is underway.

This incident coincides with a larger investigation into the theft of 13.6 million cigarettes from a container under the custody of Maldives Ports Limited at Hulhumalé Port, discovered last October.

Police have arrested ten individuals, including two prominent businessmen, Ahmed Aarif and Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), suspected of financing the operation.