Customs said that the seized shipment consisted of Manchester brand cigarettes, found in both the boat yard’s accommodation and workshop areas, totaling 84,500 packs.
Hawks Private Limited has suspended employees implicated in an attempted cigarette smuggling incident involving one of its fuel tankers, "MT Hawks Javaahiru."
Maldives Customs seized a significant shipment of 8,450 cartons, equivalent to 1,695 million cigarette sticks during a special operation on Friday night after receiving reports that the vessel, which arrived last Thursday, was smuggling cigarette sticks.
The Hawks issued a statement today, noting that the police initially searched the company's boatyard on Friday night without a court order.
Following the incident, the company launched an internal investigation. Surveillance footage suggests that certain employees may have used company property for unauthorized purposes and personal gain.
All employees suspected of involvement in the smuggling operation have been suspended, although the company did not specify the exact number.
Hawks expressed its disappointment at this breach of trust, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The company also announced plans to enhance internal controls to prevent further misuse of its resources.
Customs said that the seized shipment consisted of Manchester brand cigarettes, found in both the boatyard’s accommodation and workshop areas, totaling 84,500 packs.
The import duty on tobacco products will be increased to MVR 8 starting next month, along with stricter measures to prevent smoking in public places. This includes raising the specific import duty on cigarettes from MVR 3 to MVR 8.
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