Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas has called for the resignation of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) CEO Mohamed Rishwan after two cigarette containers were stolen from the MPL's port in Hulhumale'.
The illegal shipment worth MVR 100 million in import duties was first seized by the Customs in April. The confiscated cigarettes were stolen while under the Customs lock and supervision of MPL.
The containers with 13 million cigarettes were stolen in the first week of August. The MPL, Customs, Police and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) were unaware of the elaborate heist.
It was exposed only after Home Minister Ali Ihusaan, MPL CEO and Commissioner General of Customs simultaneously received a WhatsApp message from an anonymous Sri Lankan number.
The message warned that the officials would be exposed if they opened the confiscated containers. Ihusaan, accompanied by the police, opened the containers to see the cigarettes replaced with old tyres and a meme.
This is the first time that security at a major commercial port in the Maldives was bypassed for a heist.
Responding to MPL's statement that measures were being taken to ensure security and avoid such an incident in the future, the MP for Velidhoo said the best measure now is for Rishwan to resign.
"There are no further steps to tighten security. Don't make any more excuses and stop smooth-talking. If you have any sincerity, resign now. It is best for the country and the people," Abbas said.
"Your negligence has led to this. The port already has the same security system similar to other developed countries in the world," he added.
Four people have been arrested and their remand has been extended in connection with the theft.
