Maldives Customs has intercepted a major shipment of smuggled cigarettes at the Hithadhoo Commercial Port today, seizing nearly 1.84 million cigarette sticks, authorities confirmed.
“These items were confiscated during a search of a shipment smuggled into the Maldives by sea via Hithadhoo Commercial Port,” Customs said in a statement. “The estimated value of these seized items is approximately MVR 15 million.”
At this stage, officials have not disclosed further details about the case. The identities of those involved remain unknown, and the origin of the shipment is still being investigated.
The seized cargo contained 92,000 boxes of cigarettes, highlighting a significant attempt to bypass the country’s import regulations.
The seizure comes amid a broader trend of declining legal cigarette imports into the Maldives, following recent increases in government duties on tobacco products.
According to data obtained by Mihaaru News under the Right to Information Act on August 25, 42.3 million cigarettes were imported into the Maldives between January and July 2025. This is a sharp contrast to previous years:
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2022: 356.7 million cigarettes imported, with a CFI value of MVR 251.8 million
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2023: 350 million cigarettes imported, with a CFI value of MVR 265.9 million
Officials believe the drop in legal imports may be partly fueled by the rise in cigarette smuggling.
The recent confiscation underscores ongoing challenges faced by customs authorities in curbing illegal tobacco trade in the Maldives. Smuggling not only undermines government revenue but also poses public health risks, authorities note.
As the investigation continues, Customs has urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious shipments to help prevent illegal tobacco distribution.
