The Maldives Police Service seized 221 cartons of illegally smuggled cigarettes on Monday night after a vehicle fled the scene on Bodurasgefaanu Magu in Malé City, abandoning three black bags.

Upon inspection, officers found the bags contained cartons of cigarettes suspected to have been brought into the country without proper authorisation. Three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in connection with the case. Police have launched an investigation.

Under Maldivian law, the import and sale of tobacco products require a special permit. Additionally, all cigarettes sold in the country must display health warnings and graphic images in line with national regulations.

This seizure comes amid ongoing efforts to curb tobacco smuggling. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu revealed at a press conference on Saturday that Government agencies have confiscated approximately 14.5 million smuggled cigarettes to date.