Police have just announced that parts of the two containers of cigarettes, which were seized by Customs for illegal importation and then went missing from the MPL port, have been found in Thilafushi.

In a message shared with the media, police said that parts of these two containers were discovered during an operation conducted last Sunday to search areas in Thilafushi.

Police also stated that a 52-year-old Maldivian man was arrested last night in connection with the case. However, they did not specify the exact connection between this individual and the case.

So far, travel bans have been imposed on 12 people in relation to the cigarette theft, and four individuals suspected of being key players in planning and executing the theft were previously arrested.

The four individuals arrested in connection with the case are:

  • Ahmed Arif (61), Ma. Ever Glory
  • Mohamed Waheed (65), Dhigali, B. Eydhafushi
  • Muaz Ali (48), H. New Happiness
  • Zivaar Ismail (40), Medhureege, HDh. Vaikaradhoo

Among them, Arif is the owner of Lotus, Dhigali Waheed is the owner of Apollo, Zivaar is a senior officer at Customs, and Muaz is a former senior superintendent of Customs.

Of these, Dhigali Waheed has been remanded for 10 days, while Arif and Zivaar have been remanded for 15 days. Muaz was initially remanded for 5 days, but this period has been extended to 10 days after its expiration.