The Maldives' borders are vulnerable to the importation of various goods, including weapons, according to the customs authority.
Speaking at the 241 Committee of the Parliament, Assistant Commissioner of Customs Ismail Hamdhoon, who oversees Enforcement and Border Security, highlighted that the primary challenge facing customs is the poor management of the sea area.
Hamdhoon stated that the borders are open enough for individuals to bring in weapons if they choose. Customs officers are required to stay at the ports, but vehicles from outside can access the port area before people reach the port, according to the country's border guards.
This issue is extremely worrying, Hamdhoon said, emphasizing that there are areas in the Maldives where individuals can import whatever they want. He added that police have also investigated cases of drugs being loaded onto other local vessels before reaching the port, suggesting that this opportunity is not limited to drugs alone.
Speaking at the 241 Committee of the Parliament, Assistant Commissioner of Customs Ismail Hamdhoon, who oversees Enforcement and Border Security, highlighted that the primary challenge facing customs is the poor management of the sea area.
Hamdhoon stated that the borders are open enough for individuals to bring in weapons if they choose. Customs officers are required to stay at the ports, but vehicles from outside can access the port area before people reach the port, according to the country's border guards.
This issue is extremely worrying, Hamdhoon said, emphasizing that there are areas in the Maldives where individuals can import whatever they want. He added that police have also investigated cases of drugs being loaded onto other local vessels before reaching the port, suggesting that this opportunity is not limited to drugs alone.
