MCS Seizes Millions Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes

June 29, 2024

The MCS recently confiscated 1.7 million cigarettes concealed within 173 cartons during an anti-smuggling operation.

The seized shipment, valued at MVR 1.6 million, incurred an import duty of MVR 5.6 million. The operation encountered delays due to an extensive investigation into the origins of the shipment and those responsible for its illegal import.

Following court-authorized searches at five locations in Hulhumalé, MCS successfully seized the contraband.

This latest seizure follows a previous incident where customs intercepted 200 master cartons—mis-declared as tissue paper.