.svg)
Maldives Customs Service intercepted 800 illegal vape cartridges attempted to be smuggled into the country via air freight. The seizure comes as authorities strictly enforce the nationwide ban on importing, selling, and possessing vaping products introduced under the Tobacco Control Act.
News Desk
Vape cartridges and sticks, previously seized by customs - Photo: Customs
Maldives Customs Service intercepted a shipment containing 800 illegal vape cartridges arriving by air, as border authorities step up anti-smuggling enforcement under nationwide tobacco control laws.
Border control officers have confiscated 800 illegal vape cartridges during an inspection of air cargo entering the Maldives.
In a social media announcement, Maldives Customs Service confirmed that the contraband items were discovered and seized during routine screening procedures on Wednesday. The interception highlights ongoing enforcement efforts to prevent electronic cigarettes and related vaping components from entering the domestic market following legislative bans.
The seizure follows a series of crackdown measures executed by customs and law enforcement agencies to stop illicit shipments from penetrating Maldivian borders. Under amended anti-tobacco legislation, the Maldivian government established zero-tolerance policies prohibiting the import, sale, free distribution, and personal consumption of all vaping equipment and e-cigarettes nationwide.
Customs officials confirmed that the seized cartridges remain impounded while investigations continue to identify the importers responsible for the contraband shipment.
– Import Ban Date: November 15, 2024 (Under Tobacco Control Act amendments).
– Usage & Distribution Ban Date: December 15, 2024 (Applies nationwide across all inhabited islands and resorts).
– Illegal Importation Penalty: Fixed fine of MVR 50,000, plus an additional MVR 10,000 for each imported device or component.
– Possession Fine: MVR 2,000.
– Obstruction Fine: MVR 50,000 for refusing to hand over vaping devices to law enforcement officers upon request.
– Vaping/Usage Fine: MVR 5,000 per violation.
– Free Distribution Fine: MVR 10,000.
– Sale Fine: MVR 20,000 for selling vaping products.
– Sale to Minors (Under 21): Heavy fine of MVR 50,000.
