The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed charges against 10 people in Criminal Court in connection with the theft of a container holding a large quantity of cigarettes that was seized by Customs and stored at Velana International Airport after being intercepted while being smuggled into the Maldives last April.

The PG’s Office stated that out of 11 people suspected in the case, charges have been filed against 10 people, including Mohamed Waheed and Ahmed Arif, after police submitted the case to them on the 3rd of this month. However, the case against the suspect Mohamed Shareef has been sent back to police as there is insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, the PG’s Office revealed.

The charges filed against those accused include theft, conspiracy to commit theft, and participation in theft. The PG’s Office said that if the charges are proven, they will request the court to impose the maximum penalty considering the nature and seriousness of the crimes.