Maldives Customs Service (MCS)  has intercepted a major cigarette smuggling attempt at Gan International Airport in Addu City, confiscating over 130,000 contraband cigarettes in a single operation.

The seizure, announced by the MCS on April 19, via social media platform X, revealed that a total of 130,155 cigarettes were confiscated during the inspection. Officials believe the cigarettes were brought into the country for unauthorised sale, in violation of tobacco import regulations.

This incident comes amid heightened efforts by the authorities to clamp down on unlicensed tobacco imports. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health implemented revised tobacco control regulations, requiring all importers, sellers, and re-exporters of tobacco products to obtain official licences via the HPA’s OneGov portal. These measures follow an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act in November 2024.

The Customs Service has reported a series of similar enforcement actions in recent months. Earlier this year, officials at Velana International Airport apprehended individuals attempting to smuggle cigarettes hidden in dustbin bags. Additionally, two bonded warehouses were found to have unlawfully released 575 cases of cigarettes. Their licences were revoked, and the matter was referred to the Attorney General’s Office for legal action.