Australia has donated surveillance drones to the Maldives Customs Service to help strengthen border and port security.
The handover took place at a ceremony on Monday, attended by Australian High Commissioner David Jessop and Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana.
Dhiyana thanked the Australian Government and the Australian Border Force for the donation, stating that the drones will enhance surveillance across customs-controlled areas including ports and border zones. The Australian High Commission described the move as part of a broader partnership to ensure the safety and security of the Indian Ocean region.
Customs has not yet disclosed the number or specifications of the drones received.
Commissioner General Fathimath Dhiyana recieved a generous aid of surveillance drones gifted by the @AusBorderForce, during a special ceremony held yesterday. The generous aid was handed over by the @AusHCMV, His Excellency Mr. David Jessup. @CG_Customsmv pic.twitter.com/27jp0dOVTf
— Maldives Customs Service (@CustomsMv) October 28, 2025
The donation comes at a time when Customs is facing scrutiny over recent security lapses. Earlier this month, 13 million cigarettes seized by Customs were reported stolen from containers stored at the Hulhumalé port under the custody of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). Customs Superintendent Zivar Ismail was suspended in connection with the case, alongside several other individuals and MPL staff.
Separately, questions have emerged about a shipment of cigarettes moved to a bonded warehouse under Customs control. These incidents have raised concerns about internal oversight and the integrity of customs enforcement.
Meanwhile, a separate police investigation into MVR 400 million in suspicious money transfers involving 23 Customs officers remains ongoing.