The Prosecutor General's Office has instructed the police in collaboration with customs officials to investigate the smuggling of cigarettes into Addu City in connection with allegations of money laundering.
The case concerns a container of cigarettes worth MVR 15 million, which was seized from the Hithadhoo Regional Port in September last year.
The matter has already been investigated and forwarded to the duty prosecution. The police and customs have been advised to conduct a joint investigation.
The container was imported by a company named Neso Home under the guise of merchandise. However, it was found to contain a large quantity of Manchester brand cigarettes: 368 boxes, totaling 1,840,000 cigarette sticks.
In connection with the investigation, the passport of Neso Home Managing Director Ahmed Hassan Didi has also been seized.
