Two houses raided in Male', hundreds of vapes seized

Police searched two properties in Male' yesterday, seizing around 500 vapes along with related products.

According to a police statement, officers recovered 442 vape cartridges, two cartons of cigarettes, shisha puffs and other vaping items under a court order following an intelligence tip-off.

Two individuals have been fined in connection with the case, but no arrests have been made, authorities said.

Under an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, the import of vapes and related devices has been banned since 15 November 2024.

The law allows fines of MVR 2,000 for illegal possession of a vape device, MVR 5,000 for vaping, MVR 10,000 for giving away a vape, and MVR 20,000 for selling one. Selling vapes to anyone under 21 carries a fine of MVR 50,000. Authorities may also impose fines of up to MVR 50,000 if an individual refuses to hand over their vape or other related devices.

The seizure follows the largest haul since the ban. Customs officers recently intercepted a shipment containing 10,800 vape cartridges brought by sea on 4 December, with an estimated value of MVR 2.7 million.