Customs seizes 800 vape cartridges smuggled by air

Maldives Customs Service has seized 800 vape cartridges that were being smuggled into the country by air.

Customs said on social media that the items were confiscated on Monday.

Under the new amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, the importation of vapes and related devices will be prohibited from November 15, 2024.

ވައިގެމަގުން ރާއްޖެ އެތެރެކުރަން އުޅުނު 800 ވޭޕް ކާޓްރިޖް ކަސްޓަމްސްއިން އަތުލައިގެންފި. pic.twitter.com/b6s7PzTWpi

— Maldives Customs Service (@CustomsMv) August 6, 2026

According to the Act, possession of a banned vape device carries a fine of MVR 2,000. Authorities may impose a fine of up to MVR 50,000 if such items are refused to be handed over to the police.

In addition, vape users will be fined MVR 5,000, those who provide vapes for free will be fined MVR 10,000, and vape dealers will be fined MVR 20,000. Selling vape products to children under the age of 21 carries a fine of up to MVR 50,000.