Deputy Commissioner of Customs Mahmood Riyaz, who was dismissed last month in connection with a major cigarette smuggling case, has been reinstated following a review by the Parliament’s Security Services Committee.

Riyaz was initially removed from office on October 29, based on the committee’s earlier recommendation to the President. However, several Customs officers publicly defended him after his dismissal, asserting that he was not involved in any wrongdoing and describing him as an honest and upright officer.

Amid growing internal support, the Security Services Committee revisited its findings and concluded that Riyaz was not directly involved in the smuggling operation. Based on the committee’s new recommendation, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has since restored Riyaz to his position.

The case involves the alleged illegal import of 200 master cartons of Manchester brand cigarettes aboard a vessel operated by The Hawks Pvt Ltd. The cigarettes were reportedly offloaded at the company’s Thilafushi boatyard without being declared on the ship’s manifest and later went missing from a bonded warehouse.

In a message to the Customs community, Riyaz reaffirmed his innocence, saying, “I swear on God, I have not taken part in any wrongdoing, and will not either.” He pledged to continue serving with integrity and uphold ethical standards.