President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the dismissal of two Deputy Commissioners from the Maldives Customs Service in connection with separate cases of cigarette smuggling.
The decision, revealed by the President via social media, follows recommendations from Parliament based on findings from the Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services (the 241 Committee). The cases under investigation involve the smuggling of cigarettes aboard a fuel tanker operated by The Hawks Pvt Ltd, as well as the unauthorized removal of cigarettes from a bonded warehouse.
In his statement, President Muizzu said the dismissals were carried out in line with the committee’s recommendations and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability within state institutions.
The President also confirmed that the Maldives Customs Service has been instructed to take appropriate action under internal policy against three additional staff members implicated in the investigations.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the dismissed officials or further details of the ongoing inquiries.
