Maldives Customs Service (MCS) has revealed the landing craft carried coconut palms from Laamu Atoll with necessary permits from Gan Island Council.
In a statement, MCS said the investigation led by customs service identified the landing craft carried coconut palms from the islands with the permit of the island council. However, MCS noted further investigation has been launched by Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA mandates all projects that require the uprooting of over 200 coconut palms, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be carried out, which is to assess any potential negative consequences the project may have on the environment.
Meanwhile, harbouring foreign vessels, foreign vessels coming in and out of Maldives as well as loading or unloading objects to foreign vessels without permit is prohibited, according to rules and regulation of MCS.