Maldives Customs Service has seized 800 vape cartridges that were being smuggled into the Maldives by air.

In a post on X, Customs said the shipment was intercepted on Wednesday after arriving on an incoming flight.

The import of vape products into the Maldives has been banned since 15 November 2024. Amendments to the law also introduced stricter penalties for offences related to vaping.

Under the regulations, possession of a vape device is punishable by a fine of MVR 2,000. Refusing to hand over prohibited vape products to the police can result in fines of up to MVR 50,000.

The law also imposes a MVR 5,000 fine for using vape products, MVR 10,000 for supplying them free of charge, and MVR 20,000 for selling them. Selling vape products to anyone under the age of 21 carries a fine of MVR 50,000.