Police seize large quantity of vapes and cartridges in four locations searched

Police have seized a significant quantity of vapes and vape cartridges during raids on four locations allegedly involved in the import and sale of vaping products.

A police media official said officers searched two homes and two vehicles under a court order as part of an investigation into the illegal sale of vapes.

Officers recovered 89 vape cartridges from beneath the seat of a motorcycle and a further 59 vapes and cartridges from an apartment a total of 148 items.

A Facebook page allegedly used to sell vapes was also taken down.

No arrests have been made, although one individual has been fined.

Vape imports were banned under last year’s amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which also introduced strict penalties for possession and sale.

The law sets a fine of MVR 2,000 for illegal possession of a vaping device, rising to MVR 50,000 if a person refuses to surrender the device to police.

Using a vape carries a fine of MVR 5,000, while giving one away incurs a MVR 10,000 penalty. Selling a vape attracts a fine of MVR 20,000, rising to MVR 50,000 if it is sold to someone under the age of 21.