The captain of a vessel suspected of transporting two containers of smuggled cigarettes, which was allegedly stolen while under state custody at the Maldives Pots Limited (MPL) Hulhumalé Commercial Port, has been arrested.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) on Thursday arrested Adam Waheed, of Kenereege in Miladhoo island of Noonu atoll, on suspicion of his involvement in the case. Waheed, who had been residing in an apartment within a housing complex built for MPL employees in Hulhumalé Phase II, was presented before the Criminal Court the same day. Upon the police’s request, the court ordered his detention for seven days.

According to the court order, the investigating officer stated that Waheed is believed to be the captain of the boat used to transport the stolen containers. The court further noted that the case involves serious criminal allegations.

Waheed’s arrest brings the total number of individuals detained in connection with the case to six. Those previously arrested include Ahmed “Aattey” Arif, owner of Lotus Store; Mohamed “Dhigali” Waheed, owner of Apollo Holdings; Muaz Ali, a former Customs employee now serving in a managerial role at MIFCO; Zivaar Ismail, a current Customs employee; and Hassan Abdul Rahman, who is reportedly closely linked to Waheed, suspected to be a key figure in the operation.

Investigators suspect that Arif and Waheed financed the theft, while Muaz and Zivaar were involved in planning and executing it. Hassan Abdul Rahman is believed to have assisted in facilitating the operation.

The two 40-foot containers in question reportedly contained 1,360 cases of cigarettes, totaling approximately 13.6 million cigarette sticks. According to Customs, the unpaid duty on these goods amounts to MVR 122 million.

Several suspects in this case have previously faced state charges in other multi-million Maldivian Rufiyaa financial crimes. Following the emergence of this case, some government-affiliated individuals believed to be involved were temporarily suspended from their positions. However, public suspicion remains high regarding the potential involvement of senior government officials.

Opposition parties have argued that such a large-scale operation could not have occurred without internal assistance, pointing to the strict procedures governing the country’s commercial ports.

In the People’s Majlis, lawmakers aligned with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his People’s National Congress (PNC), opposed accepting an emergency motion submitted by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) concerning the case. Plans to summon relevant authorities before the parliament’s 241 Committee were also abruptly canceled, citing the need to avoid interference with the ongoing investigation.