The Maldives Police Service has announced significant progress in its investigation into the disappearance of two containers of smuggled cigarettes. According to police, 19 individuals have been barred from leaving the country, and 21 locations across Malé, Hulhumalé, and Thilafushi have been searched as part of the ongoing operation.

So far, nine people have been arrested in connection with the case. The court has ordered two of the suspects to be remanded in custody for 16 days, while several others have been detained until the end of their trial.

Police stated that those arrested were involved in various stages of the operation, including the theft, transport, and destruction of the containers. Investigations revealed that the two cigarette containers were stolen after they were replaced with identical containers and moved by boat to the MPL terminal. It was also discovered that the vessel’s name and registration number were changed during the operation.

According to police, the containers were later taken to Thilafushi and destroyed. Authorities continue to investigate the case and have urged the public to provide any information related to the theft or the illegal trade of large quantities of cigarettes by contacting the Major Crime Investigation hotline at 9911099.