Maldives Customs has seized 15,601 vape cartridges that were smuggled into the country in a shipment declared as "general cargo".

In a post on X, Customs said it conducted a special operation at Malé Commercial Harbour on Thursday after receiving information that a sea cargo shipment may contain items imported in violation of laws and regulations.

During the operation, officials inspected a shipment declared as general cargo and discovered a large quantity of concealed vape products. The 15,601 vape cartridges have since been taken into Customs custody.

According to Customs, this is the largest shipment of vape products intercepted since the Government banned the import of vapes and electronic cigarettes on 15 November 2024.

Customs also revealed that 22,309 vape cartridges have been seized in three operations carried out over the past five days. The case remains under further investigation.