The temporary permit issued to resorts operated by Jumhoory Party Leader Qasim Ibrahim's Villa Company to import alcohol and pork has expired and the import of these products have been halted.
The temporary permit which only allowed imports to Royal Island Resort expired on Tuesday, according the Commissioner General of Maldives Customs Services Ibrahim Shareef. He told Mihaaru that under the enforcement policy of Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), they have now ceased the permit.
Villa Company has said that discussions are underway with lawyers on how to proceed next.
The state had revoked its liquor license last month after the company had allegedly failed to pay MVR 2.9 billion owed to the state in taxes.
Villa Shipping and Trading Company had paid some of the due amounts; however, the tourism ministry claimed that, despite being granted a temporary permit in hopes of the company paying the due amount in time, they have not been cooperating.
The ministry had said that they will not ease on the steps they took against Villa, which could bring a stop to the opposition leader's resorts.
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