The Maldives Police Service has seized tobacco products worth MVR 7.3 million so far this year and taken action against 15 individuals.

Speaking at a press conference held at Iskandhar Koshi on Tuesday, Superintendent of Police Abdulla Rasheed said Male’ Police carried out a special anti-tobacco operation during the year.

As part of the operation, police seized 44,866 boxes of cigarettes, 4,733 vapes, 765 vape flavor bottles, 86 vape cartridges, and 93 kilograms of tobacco. In addition, cash amounting to MVR 294,240 was also confiscated.

Police said the operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal tobacco trade and usage.