Over 26,000 Vape Products Seized as Maldives Enforces Nationwide Ban

The government has revealed that authorities have confiscated over 26,000 vape products as part of the ongoing efforts to enforce a nationwide ban on electronic smoking devices in the Maldives. 

This move follows the government’s decision to ban the importation of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products, effective from 15 November 2024.

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Additionally, the Administration has introduced a legislative amendment aimed at prohibiting tobacco use for all individuals born on or after 1 January 2007. This would make the Maldives the first country to implement a generational smoking ban.

During a press conference yesterday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu revealed that authorities have seized 14.5 million smuggled cigarettes since the enforcement of the current tobacco control laws. He highlighted that the proposed legislative amendment would further strengthen the country’s efforts to confiscate tobacco products, including cigarettes and vapes.

Muizzu noted that over 30 percent of the current population falls within the age group affected by the generational ban. This demographic is seen as crucial to the government’s public health strategy, which aims to significantly improve national well-being by preventing the widespread adoption of tobacco use.