Maldives Police Service has revealed that the substances found in a shipment suspected to be cannabis, imported under the guise of vape flavors, have tested negative for narcotics.

Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihsan posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 15th, that a shipment suspected to be cannabis, imported as vape flavor, was seized by Maldives Customs Service on the night of October 14th.

In a message sent to the media today, Police stated that the forensic lab tests conducted on the substances in the shipment to test for narcotics have shown negative results.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to ban the import and sale of vapes in the Maldives. The law has already been amended to accommodate this decision.

With the President's ratification of the first amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, the import of vape products into the Maldives has been banned since last Friday. Additionally, the use and sale of vapes will be prohibited from the 15th of next month.

According to the current law, it is illegal to import electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices into the Maldives.

The law also states that if someone uses tobacco products in a completely smoke-free area, and if that place is a business or service provider, both the person who committed the act and the owner or operator of the establishment can be fined as per the law. Furthermore, the Ministry has the authority to submit a request to the relevant government agency to temporarily suspend or revoke the business license issued to that establishment.

According to the law, the fine for such violations ranges from MVR 1,000 to MVR 1,000,000.

The law states that importing electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices is prohibited. However, if such items are imported, there will be a fine of MVR 50,000, plus an additional fine of MVR 10,000 for each electronic cigarette or vaping device imported.

If such a device or product is sold, there will be a fine of MVR 20,000, plus an additional fine of MVR 10,000 for each item sold. If such a device or product is distributed for free, there will be a fine of MVR 10,000.

If such a device or product is sold or distributed for free to a minor, there will be an additional fine of MVR 50,000. If such a product is used in the Maldives, there will be a fine of MVR 5,000.

The law has also changed the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 years to 21 years. According to the law, this decision has been implemented since last Friday.

The law now also includes a provision that nicotine replacement therapy products or treatments used as part of "cessation" therapy to quit smoking, which are approved by relevant professional bodies, are not considered tobacco products.