Commissioner General of the Maldives Customs Service, Ahmed Numan has said that the Customs Service is prepared by joining hands with other countries to protect the Maldives.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Islamic Center Hall to commemorate the 129th Anniversary of the Maldives Customs Service, Numan said that strong ties have been made with other countries to protect the Maldives. And with a young, educated and capable team, Customs officers work tirelessly with vigilance.

However, he highlighted that as the economy grows, the crimes at the borders are increasing as the border crossing tactics used by the criminals are evolving. And noted the new crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking and money laundering are increasing.

And while the responsibility of preventing those crimes falls on the shoulders of the Customs Service, Numan said that it is a challenge when the resources and opportunities to prevent them are scarce.

The Customs Service are gaining ground with the resources available along with assistance from internal and external agencies according to the Commissioner General.

He said that training programs and human resource development are planned for their employees this year as well and achieved 90 percent of their annual goals in the first three months of the year.

At the function last night, a five-year strategic plan was inaugurated by the Minister of Defence and National Security, Mariya Ahmed Didi.

The function also saw the Vice President, Faisal Naseem inaugurated the 130th Annual Logo of the Maldives Customs Service.