Customs has seized a large quantity of vaping products concealed inside cans of potato chips and chocolate powder packets in a shipment brought to the Maldives by sea.

According to Customs, a special operation was carried out at the Male' Commercial Harbour on Sunday and Monday following suspicions that a shipment contained illegal goods.

During the operation, officers discovered a large number of vape products hidden inside cans of potato chips and packets of chocolate powder.

A total of 1,108 vape cartridges and 27 vaping devices were recovered.

Customs said the case is under further investigation.

The import and use of vaping products were banned in the Maldives on December 15, 2024, under the Tobacco Control Act. The legal age for purchasing and selling tobacco products in the country is 21. 

Since the ban came into effect, authorities have intercepted several attempts to smuggle vaping products into Maldives. In April last year, Customs seized 1,940 vape cartridges in a separate operation.

Customs previously stated that fines imposed for the illegal import of vaping products have exceeded MVR 600 million.

Under current regulations, importing vaping devices and products carries a fine of MVR 50,000, in addition to a penalty of MVR 10,000 for each electronic cigarette or vape imported.