Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has suspended six employees in connection with the theft of cigarettes that went missing after being seized by Maldives Customs Service and stored at the Hulhumalé Port.
The cigarettes,1,360 cases in total were seized by Customs on April 26 this year while being smuggled into the Maldives and later stored at MPL’s Hulhumalé facility. The theft was discovered last Wednesday.
Police have since arrested four suspects believed to be key figures in the operation, including two businessmen, a senior Customs official, and another Customs employee.
In a statement released today, MPL said five employees were suspended on Sunday based on information uncovered during its internal probe, with another suspended today.
The company added that it is working to strengthen its security systems and is holding consultations to identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
