Hawks Pvt Ltd has announced that it has taken disciplinary action against employees accused of using company resources for personal gain by smuggling large quantities of cigarettes into the Maldives.

Customs registered a case of cigarette smuggling via the Hawks boat MT Hawks Jawahir, leading to searches at Hawks' boatyard in Thilafushi. According to Customs, the vessel transported cigarettes to a vehicle registered under Hawks Pvt Ltd.

In a statement, Hawks denied any corporate involvement, calling the actions a violation by a few employees, whom they have suspended pending an internal investigation. The company expressed shock at the misuse of its resources, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity and additional measures to prevent future misuse.

During searches, Customs reportedly seized 1.695 million Manchester-brand cigarettes, with a tax value estimated at MVR 5 million under the current law and potentially MVR 13.5 MVR under proposed increases in the Export-Import Act, which raises cigarette excise by 50%.