The Criminal Court has ordered the police to return 49,000 boxes of cigarettes and other items seized during a raid on a private office suspected of illegal cigarette production.
Police raided an office operated by Radius Private Limited at H. Hulhugali in Malé on January 30, seizing 103 cardboard boxes containing 49,000 boxes of cigarettes, along with empty packaging materials, two boxing machines, and other equipment. Radius Private Limited later filed a case in court to recover the confiscated items.
In a ruling issued on Sunday, the Criminal Court ordered the unconditional release of the empty boxes and boxing machines. Police informed the court they would not oppose the return of the seized property if the company secured the necessary permits from relevant government authorities.
The court ruled that the cigarettes and tobacco must also be returned under specific conditions, including Radius Private Limited's cooperation with forensic analysis and a commitment not to engage in further illegal activities. The ruling mandates that empty boxes and machinery must be released within three days, while cigarettes and tobacco must be released within five days of obtaining proper licenses.
Notably, the Economic Ministry had revoked Radius Private Limited’s business permit in March. Police had earlier stated that the Health Ministry had authorized the destruction of the seized cigarettes.
According to general tobacco control regulations, the importation of machinery for commercial tobacco production is prohibited, except for small manual devices intended for personal use. If such devices are used commercially, the license is subject to revocation and non-permitted equipment must be re-exported according to customs procedures.