The business license of Radius Private Limited has been revoked after the company was found to be illegally manufacturing cigarettes inside a private office in Malé City.

The police raided the premises in January under a court order following a tip-off about large-scale production and trade of cigarettes. During the operation, officers seized 103 cardboard boxes, which included boxes of tobacco, from the location.

The cigarette manufacturing was being conducted in a rented premises under Radius Private Limited.

A police spokesperson confirmed on Thursday night that the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade had revoked the company’s business license. Additionally, the Ministry of Health has granted permission to destroy the seized cigarettes.

According to the Tobacco Control Act, the manufacturing and advertising of cigarettes is strictly prohibited in the Maldives. A special license is required for the sale of tobacco products, and violations of the law carry serious penalties.