Local Business Figures Among Four Arrested Over Missing Cigarette Containers

Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of two containers holding over 13.6 million cigarettes at Hulhumalè commercial port. The suspects include businessmen Ahmed Arif and Mohamed Waheed, former senior customs superintendent Muaz Ali, and senior customs officer Ziwar Ismail. The cigarettes were seized by Maldives Customs Service on April 26, 2024, with unpaid import duty estimated at over MVR 122 million. The disappearance was discovered on October 8 after police intelligence. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), which had custody, has launched an internal inquiry. Twelve people have been barred from leaving the country.

Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of two containers holding over 13.6 million cigarettes at Hulhumalè commercial port. The suspects include businessmen Ahmed Arif and Mohamed Waheed, former senior customs superintendent Muaz Ali, and senior customs officer Ziwar Ismail. The cigarettes were seized by Maldives Customs Service on April 26, 2024, with unpaid import duty estimated at over MVR 122 million. The disappearance was discovered on October 8 after police intelligence. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), which had custody, has launched an internal inquiry. Twelve people have been barred from leaving the country.

Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of two containers holding over 13.6 million cigarettes at Hulhumalè commercial port. The suspects include businessmen Ahmed Arif and Mohamed Waheed, former senior customs superintendent Muaz Ali, and senior customs officer Ziwar Ismail. The cigarettes were seized by Maldives Customs Service on April 26, 2024, with unpaid import duty estimated at over MVR 122 million. The disappearance was discovered on October 8 after police intelligence. Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), which had custody, has launched an internal inquiry. Twelve people have been barred from leaving the country.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of smuggling / crime.