Police have raided a privately owned office in Henveiru Hulhugali following a tip-off that cigarettes were being manufactured on the premises.
The operation, conducted under a court order, took place last night at a private residence from which the office was being operated.
According to a Mihaaru News journalist at the scene, officers removed large boxes from the location and loaded them onto a police vehicle.
However, authorities have not yet disclosed any details about the items seized or the individuals involved.
The manufacture of tobacco is strictly prohibited in the Maldives under the Tobacco Control Act. Health Ministry has also instructed Customs to seize any imported products used for manufacturing tobacco.
The Act was further amended last November to ban the import and use of vapes.
Under the law, the import of any materials used in manufacturing tobacco products, including bidis and cigars, is prohibited.
The Act defines "tobacco products" as any substance containing tobacco, nicotine, or tobacco sticks, regardless of how they are consumed; whether chewed, ingested, inhaled, or applied to the body.
"Manufacture of tobacco" is defined as any process that prepares fresh tobacco leaves for use, including drying by air, sun, or fire.