The Maldives Customs Service has destroyed 1.8 million illegally smuggled cigarettes seized during an operation in Addu City.

Customs said a total of 1,830,000 cigarette sticks were confiscated at the Seenu Hithadhoo Port and later destroyed in the port area.

The Government has strengthened its anti-smuggling measures by tightening tobacco regulations and increasing import duties. On 31 October 2024, the import duty on a pack of 20 cigarettes was raised from MVR 60 to MVR 160, resulting in retail prices rising from MVR 110 to MVR 250 per pack.

The seizure forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal smuggling of tobacco products into the country, and several major cases involving cigarette smuggling are currently under investigation.