Customs Seizes Largest Vape Shipment Since Ban
Cannabis Seized from Shipment Labeled ‘Vape Oil’ in Maldives last year | Photo: @min_mohst via X
Maldives Customs has seized the largest shipment of vapes since the nationwide ban was imposed last year, with the haul valued at MVR 2.7 million.
The seizure followed a special operation conducted last Thursday, after authorities suspected that a shipment arriving by sea contained illegal goods. Officers discovered a total of 10,800 vape cartridges hidden inside the cargo.
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The street value of the confiscated items is estimated at MVR 2.7 million, marking the biggest interception since the import ban came into effect on 15 November 2024. Customs confirmed that it is continuing to investigate the case.
Since the ban was introduced, more than 66,000 vapes have been confiscated across the country. Vaping is prohibited in the Maldives, with penalties applied for the importation, sale, and use of e‑cigarettes. Selling such products to minors carries a fine of MVR 50,000. In October, 35 individuals were fined a total of MVR 226,000 for violations related to vaping and tobacco sales.
