Maldives Customs Service says authorities have seized more than 2.3 million smuggled cigarette sticks at the Male' Commercial Harbour.

Customs said the cigarettes were discovered during an operation conducted on Thursday, adding that the items amounted to more than 230 cases of cigarettes. Further details about the seizure were not disclosed.

Authorities estimate the street value of the seized cigarettes at more than MVR 32 million.

The seizure comes amid a reported rise in cigarette smuggling following increases in tobacco import duties. Earlier cases have also led to charges being filed over the theft of a container of confiscated cigarettes.