Vape Cartridges Seized in Maldives Test Negative for Drugs

A shipment of vape cartridges seized by Maldives Customs Service in October, initially suspected to contain cannabis, has been found to contain no drugs following laboratory testing.

The seizure came amid heightened scrutiny after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced a nationwide ban on vaping on October 14. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan had cited the smuggling of drugs disguised as vape products as a key factor behind the ban. 

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In a post on X, Ihusaan shared an image of six cardboard boxes filled with vape oil cartridges, claiming the shipment was cannabis-labelled “vape oil.”

However, a police spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that tests on the seized items returned negative results for drugs.

The vaping ban had been fast-tracked through Parliament, with legislation prohibiting the import, sale, and use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes passed on October 12. President Muizzu ratified the bill the following day.

Under the new law, the import of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related spare parts was prohibited as of November 15. From December 15, the use, possession, production, sale, distribution, and advertisement of vaping products will also be banned.

The decision marks a significant shift in the Maldives’ approach to regulating vaping and tobacco-related products.