The Maldives Police Service has stated that no employee will be allowed to compromise public trust in the institution, as investigations continue into the disappearance of seized cigarettes from police custody.

In a statement, police confirmed that 6 of the 32 cartons of cigarettes, confiscated from a foreign national suspected of smuggling them into the Maldives on 23 May, went missing while stored at the Villimalé Police Station. During the inquiry, it was also revealed that 25 cartons of cigarettes seized from two expatriates in December 2024 had similarly disappeared from the same station.

Police said the Police Standards Command is conducting an administrative investigation into the matter, while a separate criminal investigation is underway to determine responsibility and establish whether any officer was involved in the disappearance of the seized items.

The statement stressed that the loss of property under police custody is unacceptable under any circumstances. The Maldives Police Service said it will take all necessary steps to identify those involved, adding that legal action will be pursued in accordance with service guidelines and national laws.

The institution reiterated that maintaining public trust is a core priority and emphasised its commitment to ensuring all officers uphold principles of accountability, integrity and professionalism in the performance of their duties.