Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has suspended six staff in connection with the theft of 13 million cigarettes seized by Maldives Customs Service which was stored in two containers at the seaport in Hulhumale’, a facility managed by MPL.
The two containers containing 13.6 million sticks of cigarettes smuggled into the Maldives were seized by Maldives Customs Service on April 26, and kept at Hulhumale’ seaport, managed by MPL. The theft of the cigarettes was discovered on October 8.
MPL has yet to officially comment on the theft. However, on Wednesday, MPL disclosed measures they have taken in light of the incident.
In this regard, the company detailed that the theft was discovered last Wednesday night, following which an internal investigation was immediately initiated.
According to MPL, five employees were suspended last Sunday and another on Wednesday, based on information obtained during the ongoing investigation. The company stated that its Investigative Committee, Risk Department, and internal audit team are working together to carry out further investigations and audits to determine key reform measures.
“As this is a very serious case, our investigation is proceeding in a manner it does not disrupt the police investigation. The company has been fully cooperating with the police in connection with the case from day one, and will continue to provide full cooperation for the police investigation even in the future,” the statement read.
 
MPL further said it has begun efforts to strengthen is security architecture following the incident in collaboration with national security forces and law enforcement authorities and in this trajectory, discussions are underway with Customs, Defense Ministry, Home Ministry and Prosecutor General’s Office to ensure such an incident is not repeated.
To be updated....