Customs Seizes 1,940 Vape Cartridges in Latest Smuggling Attempt
Maldives Customs seized 1,940 vape cartridges that were being smuggled into the country by sea yesterday, authorities confirmed, as enforcement agencies continue to intercept large quantities of banned vaping products.
Customs said the shipment was detected during a maritime operation and is now under investigation. No further details on those involved have been released.
The seizure comes amid ongoing efforts to curb the illegal import and distribution of vapes, which have been banned in the Maldives since December 15, 2024 under the Tobacco Control Act, the import, sale, and use of vaping devices and related products are prohibited.
05 އޭޕްރީލް 2026 ވަނަ ދުވަހު ކަނޑުމަގުން ރާއްޖެ އެތެރެކުރަން އުޅުނު 1940 ވޭޕް ކާރޓްރިޖް ކަސްޓަމްސްއިން އަތުލައިގެންފި. މިމައްސަލަ މިހާރު ކަސްޓަމްސްއިން ދަނީ ތަޙްޤީޤްކުރަމުން. pic.twitter.com/DQNXhSzO0i— Maldives Customs Service (@CustomsMv) April 6, 2026
Despite the ban, authorities say smuggling attempts remain frequent. In March, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan stated that approximately 7,000 vapes had been seized by Customs and police within a span of one and a half months, underscoring the scale of the illicit trade.
Officials have intensified enforcement measures since the ban took effect, including inspections at ports of entry and monitoring of local distribution networks. Fines have also been issued to individuals found in possession of or selling vape products.
