The Maldives Customs Service has seized more than 2.3 million cigarettes that were being smuggled into the country.

Customs said the cigarettes were confiscated during a special operation conducted at Malé Commercial Harbour on August 14. A total of 2,304,200 cigarettes were brought into the Maldives by sea in violation of local laws and regulations.

The seized items have now been taken into Customs custody.

Authorities said further investigations into the case are ongoing.