Over MVR 200,000 fined last month for vaping-related violations

Police announced yesterday that over MVR 220,000 in fines were issued last month for violations related to vapes and e-cigarettes.

According to the statistics released by the police for the previous month, the following incidents related to vapes/e-cigarettes were reported:

·         5 incidents of use.

·         15 cases of possession.

·         2 cases of selling and purchasing.

·         3 other related cases.

The police confirmed that 35 individuals were fined last month in connection with these cases.

Following the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act last year, the use, import, and sale of vapes/e-cigarettes have been banned since December 15 of last year. Since the ban was enacted, people have been fined a total of over MVR 400 million for violations.

Last month alone, the police issued fines totaling MVR 226,000.

Recently, Customs began publishing the names of parties that have outstanding fines due to the authority. The majority of the names on that list are related to fines imposed for importing tobacco and vape products.