Maldives Customs Service has seized 5,600 vape cartridges from a sea shipment imported under the name of Pan-Ocean International Pvt Ltd, a company linked to the family of former First Lady Fazna Ahmed, according to a customs official.
The official confirmed to Mihaaru News that the consignment, which had been declared as “general cargo”, belonged to Pan-Ocean International Pvt Ltd. The shipment was inspected and a large quantity of vape cartridges was found concealed within the cargo, Customs said.
Pan-Ocean’s shareholders include members of the family of Fazna Ahmed, the wife of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Another associated business, Shine Tree Holding, also lists Fazna Ahmed and several family members among its shareholders. Her father, Ahmed Ismail Manik (Bodu Sikka), is also among the shareholders of the two companies.
Customs said the seized shipment contained a total of 5,600 vape cartridges. It has not provided further details on the origin of the consignment or whether any individuals are under investigation.
In a separate operation at Male' Commercial Harbour on Sunday and Monday, officers seized 1,108 vape cartridges and 27 vaping devices hidden inside cans of potato chips and packets of chocolate powder.
The latest seizures come amid continued enforcement of the ban on vape imports under the Tobacco Control Act, which came into force on 15 December, and prohibits the import and sale of vaping products. The law also sets the minimum age for tobacco purchases at 21.
Customs has previously seized 1,940 vape cartridges in April
Authorities say importers of vaping devices face fines of MVR 50,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 penalty per electronic cigarette or vape imported.
