Maldives Police Service has confirmed that 31 cartons of cigarettes have gone missing while in police custody, prompting an internal investigation.  
In a statement issued Saturday, police said they will not allow any officer to undermine public trust in the institution. The agency stressed that the disappearance of property under police care is unacceptable and violates the ethical standards and principles of the service.  
The missing cartons include six of 32 cartons stored at the Villimale’ Police Station, which were discovered lost last week. In addition, 25 cartons seized from two foreigners on December 23 last year have also been reported missing from the same station.  
Police said a full investigation into both cases is underway, with the Professional Standards Command reviewing the matter. Legal action will be taken against those found responsible, the statement added.  
From the ceremony held on to commemorate twenty-two officials from key Maldivian agencies who completed an advanced training program on cybercrime investigation and digital forensics conducted by India's Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), November 20, 2025. (Photo/Maldives Police Service)
“The police service will take all necessary steps to identify the person or persons involved and ensure accountability. We will not allow any employee to erode the respect of this institution or the trust of the public,” the statement read.  
The agency noted that cigarette smuggling and theft have been recurring issues. Last year, two containers of cigarettes seized by customs were stolen from Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), with employees of both institutions implicated.  
Police also recalled a separate case in which USD 30,000 seized in 2019 was reported missing in August 2024. The agency has yet to disclose what happened to the money.