Customs Seizes Over 2,000 Vaping Devices in Major Airport Bust
Photo: Home Minister Ihusaan Ali via X
Maldives Customs seized over 2,000 vaping devices at Velana International Airport, marking one of the largest confiscations since the vaping ban was implemented.
The Maldives government introduced the ban in December, following amendments to the Tobacco Control Act. The new law prohibits the sale and use of vaping products, with authorities stepping up efforts to combat illegal vaping. This has resulted in multiple fines and arrests, including the recent detention of a foreign national for selling vape products in the capital.
advertisement
Under the new regulations, severe penalties are imposed on those involved in the import, sale, or use of vaping products. Importing vape equipment incurs a fine of MVR 50,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 fine for each device brought into the country. Selling vape devices carries a MVR 20,000 fine, plus MVR 10,000 per item sold, while distributing them for free results in a MVR 10,000 fine. Selling or distributing vape products to minors carries an additional fine of MVR 50,000, and using vaping products results in a MVR 5,000 fine.
Since the ban, authorities have closely monitored businesses and individuals to enforce the law. Several users have been fined, and officials have issued stern warnings about the consequences of violating the regulations.
Customs has not yet confirmed whether any arrests were made in connection with the recent seizure
