The Maldives Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting searches of goods, passengers, and vessels in accordance with legal mandates, following recent public criticism and social media harassment directed at its staff.

The agency issued a statement after a female Customs officer stationed at the Velana International Airport (VIA) passenger terminal was targeted online for searching a passenger suspected of carrying illicit items. Customs stated that such inspections are part of their fundamental responsibility to monitor and regulate items entering the country.

According to the official statement, physical searches of passengers or cargo are carried out based on intelligence reports and risk-based assessments. These procedures are conducted strictly within the boundaries of the law to ensure that prohibited goods do not bypass the border.

Customs emphasized that these enforcement measures are vital for maintaining the safety and security of the Maldivian community and ensuring that the nation’s borders remain secure from illegal activities.