Police have arrested three more individuals linked to the missing cigarettes case at Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Hulhumalé Port.
The case involves 13.6 million cigarettes from two containers seized by Customs on April 26 and later reported missing on November 9. The shipment was smuggled under the name of Saudi Arabia’s Binladin Group, which is involved in the new VIA terminal project.
Ahmed Shaheem (42) from Vaikaradhoo and Hussain Samihu (35) from Hithadhoo were arrested and ordered detained for 7 days. Ahmed Firusan (35) from Malé was arrested and ordered detained for 5 days.
Earlier suspect Mohamed Waheed, previously arrested, was presented for a second detention hearing and will remain in custody until the trial concludes.
Police have also imposed travel bans on 12 individuals connected to the case and said further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
