Two customs officers placed under suspension over smuggled vehicles

Two customs officers have been suspended over the containers of vehicles that were smuggled into the country through customs last month.

Two pickup, three cars, two vans and fourteen motorcycles were imported into the country in two containers under the guise of importing wood. The discovery of the vehicles revealed that vehicles were imported in the same manner several times in the past.

While the case is being investigated, two customs officers have been placed under suspension. Customs Commissioner General Ahmed Nu'uman said has assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated, and that its findings will be revealed.

According to Customs, the C&F value of the vehicles is estimated to be MVR 586,000. The amount should have entered state accounts as import duty.

Maldives Ports Limited said arrangements had been made with the company to transport the containers to a location of the owner's choice for unloading. MPL said the company followed due procedure and had not been negligent in releasing the containers.