A man has been arrested in Hulhumalé on suspicion of illegally selling cigarettes.

Maldives Police Service has said the suspect was stopped near the Kanneli Jetty in Hulhumalé Phase 1 after officers on patrol noticed his unusual behaviour. According to police, the man’s actions appeared suspicious, prompting officers to intervene.

During the search, police recovered a large number of cigarette packs, tobacco, cigarette filters and rizla papers. Officers also found a cigarette rolling box and MVR 53,000 in cash.

The suspect, a 32-year-old Bangladeshi man, was subsequently taken into custody on charges of illegally selling cigarettes.

Police confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.