10 establishments were inspected during the joint operation conducted today by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Maldives Food and Drug Authority, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs Service targeting businesses operating in violation of regulations.

According to a post made by the Maldives Police Service on X announcing this, two of these establishments were closed, and one establishment was issued a notice to rectify existing issues.

Additionally, Police revealed that a foreign national was taken into Immigration custody.

According to police, the two closed establishments were identified as places that had been illegally selling tobacco products, and tobacco products were found at both locations.

Following an announcement made by the Ministry of Economic Development on November 27 calling for the submission of complaints regarding foreigners conducting business illegally in the Maldives, the National Task Force established at the national level to stop businesses operated illegally by foreigners, has been conducting business inspections.

Arrangements have been made to report any information about foreigners conducting business illegally by calling 3333199 between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on official working days, or at any time through the Ministry of Economic Development’s website trade.gov.mv.