Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has suspended six employees following the theft of 13.6 million cigarettes seized by Maldives Customs and stored at the Hulhumalé seaport. The theft, discovered on October 8, prompted an immediate internal investigation, with MPL’s Investigative Committee, Risk Department, and audit team leading the inquiry.

In response, MPL has begun strengthening its security systems in coordination with national security and law enforcement agencies, including Customs, the Defence Ministry, the Home Ministry, and the Prosecutor General’s Office. The company is also reviewing storage procedures for seized goods, with plans to establish a separate high-security area within ports to prevent similar incidents.