Velidhoo Constituency MP Mohamed Abbas has stated that illegal cigarettes and goods continue to be regularly smuggled into the Maldives, with individuals reaping illicit profits from these operations.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate on an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act—aimed at addressing how criminal offenders easily escape accountability through the judicial system—Abbas argued that simply enacting new laws is insufficient. He noted that while various laws exist, they are not properly enforced by relevant authorities.

"The smuggling of cigarettes into the Maldives hasn't stopped. Cigarettes and illegal goods are regularly brought in, and illicit profits are being reaped heavily. Camel Hard, Camel Lights, and Marlboro are being brought in regularly; I've seen the videos with my own eyes," Abbas said.

Highlighting a lack of sincerity and integrity among institutional leaders, Abbas stated that contraband continues to be brought into the country in containers despite prohibitions, while institutions fail to take decisive action.

He pointed to unresolved high-profile cases, such as the large-scale cigarette imports by the Hawks company and the disappearance of 34,500 cartons of cigarettes from a bonded warehouse in Malé.

Abbas criticized how parliamentary oversight committees—specifically the Public Accounts Committee and the Committee on National Security Services—faced interference, political pressure, and sudden shifts when investigating these corruption and smuggling scandals, referencing the political developments surrounding former Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim's leadership of those inquiries.