President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the dismissal of two Deputy Commissioners of the Maldives Customs Service Abdulla Waheed and Mahmood Riyaz following a parliamentary investigation into the illegal importation of cigarettes.

The decision underscores the administration’s ongoing efforts to reinforce accountability and integrity across state institutions.

The announcement was made through an official statement shared on social media, in which President Muizzu cited recommendations from the parliamentary Committee on National Security Services, known as the 241 Committee, as the basis for the dismissals.

In addition to the two terminations, the President confirmed that the Maldives Customs Service has been directed to initiate disciplinary proceedings against three other individuals, in accordance with established Customs regulations.

The 241 Committee’s investigation centred on a major breach involving the unlawful importation of cigarette cartons aboard an oil tanker operated by The Hawks Pvt. Ltd.

Lawmakers also examined the unauthorised removal of cigarette cartons from a bonded warehouse, conducted without the knowledge of customs authorities both incidents constituting violations of customs law.

Parliament formally adopted the committee’s report on 27 October, issuing reform directives to four key institutions: the Maldives Customs Service, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, and the Maldives Police Service.

Each institution was instructed to implement corrective measures aimed at strengthening oversight, operational transparency, and institutional discipline.

For the Customs Service, the report called for the formulation of stricter internal policies to ensure the agency fulfils its statutory responsibilities effectively.

The institution has been tasked with submitting a timeline for implementing the recommended reforms to the committee.

The committee further directed the Customs Service to enhance internal oversight to ensure that officers carry out their duties in full compliance with regulations.

It also mandated that all instances of employee misconduct be investigated, with appropriate disciplinary action taken, supported by a structured timeline for completion to be shared with the 241 Committee.