Maldives Customs has uncovered the illegal issuance of a large quantity of tobacco products from two bonded warehouses, leading to their registration being cancelled and a financial recovery effort initiated.

During an inspection of Exotic Enterprises Bonded Warehouse, customs officials discovered 575 cases of cigarettes that had been unlawfully released. The seized products included 165 cases of Yellow Camel brand cigarettes, 110 cases of Legend American brand cigarettes, and 300 cases of Royal Manchester Red brand cigarettes.

A separate inspection of SGM Bonded Warehouse revealed further irregularities. Officials had found that 250 cases of American Legend cigarettes and 130 cases of Afzal Molasses pipe tobacco had been illegally issued.

Both cases are now under investigation by the Maldives Police Service, and the Attorney General’s Office has been consulted for further legal action.

Authorities are seeking to recover MVR 47,182,011.86 from Exotic Enterprises Bonded Warehouse and MVR 20,720,412.54 from SGM Bonded Warehouse in unpaid customs duties.

In response to these violations, the Government has amended general customs regulations to strengthen oversight of bonded warehouses. Under the revised rules, tobacco products can no longer be stored in bonded warehouses, and such facilities cannot be established in residential buildings or within parts of residential structures.