Customs foil attempt to smuggle nearly 150,000 cigarettes

Maldives Customs Service has seized a large number of cigarettes attempted to be smuggled into the Maldives. 

Customs detailed that they seized 130,155 cigarettes, which is approximately over 650 cigarette cartons, that were attempted to be smuggled to the Maldives via Velana International Airport (VIA).

The smuggled cigarettes are valued at approximately MVR 1.5 million based on the current prices

It is unclear whether any arrests have been made in connection with the case.

Cigarette smuggling has seen a sharp increase since the current administration doubled the taxes levied on cigarettes which has driven up prices.