Maldives Customs has intercepted a significant quantity of cigarettes in a suspected smuggling operation linked to local fuel importer Hawks Pvt Ltd.

Acting on intelligence, Customs, in collaboration with Maldives Police and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Coast Guard, conducted a targeted operation after tracking a shipment brought in on the vessel ‘M.T. Hawks Javaahiru’ registered under Hawks Pvt Ltd, on the night of October 25.

According to officials, the seized cigarettes were initially transported to a local vessel, ‘Hawks Roadhi’, for delivery to K. Thilafushi, where they were offloaded at Hawks' boatyard.

Customs officers, suspecting additional contraband, obtained a court order to search the boatyard premises.

During this search, they discovered approximately 1.695 million sticks of Manchester brand cigarettes concealed within the accommodation and workshop areas of the boatyard.

Customs has taken the seized items into custody and has launched an investigation into the alleged smuggling attempt.

Hawks Pvt Ltd, a prominent fuel distributor in the Maldives, stated that they were unaware of the smuggling activity and pledged full cooperation with authorities.

This incident occurs as the Maldives prepares to increase import duties on cigarettes starting November 1, with the specific import duty set to rise from MVR 3 to MVR 8 and the ad valorem rate increasing by 50%.

Additionally, a vape ban is scheduled to take effect on November 15, marking a series of stricter public health regulations on tobacco and related products.

Customs officials extended their gratitude to the Maldives Police and MNDF Coast Guard for their crucial support in this operation, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to uphold the nation’s laws and protect public health.