Maldives customs authorities seized 23,008 vape cartridges over the past week in a series of enforcement operations targeting illegal imports following the country’s vaping ban. The latest seizure occurred on June 20 at Malé Commercial Harbor, where 6,328 cartridges were found hidden inside a shipment declared as general cargo. Earlier interceptions included 1,108 cartridges and 27 vaping devices concealed in food packaging, as well as separate bulk seizures of 5,600 and 15,600 cartridges from cargo inspections conducted over recent days.
Authorities have not disclosed the origin of the shipments or identified any suspects, stating that investigations are ongoing. Under the Maldives Tobacco Control Act, which banned vaping products in December 2024, import violations carry fines of MVR 50,000 ($3,250) plus MVR 10,000 ($650) per electronic cigarette or vape product, with total penalties in this case expected to exceed MVR 230 million ($15 million).