An operation conducted yesterday seized vape cartridges in a case related to allegations of smuggling vapes into Maldives, conducting business with them and laundering money.

According to the police's website, two men were stopped and questioned on the roads of Hulhumale', with their motorcycles and an Aman Udhares apartment assumed to be connected to them being searched.

After the apartment was searched, the police said they found 156 vape cartridges and nano sticks, along with more than MVR 6,000 obtained via criminal means. However, no one was arrested.

Under the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, importing vapes and other related devices into Maldives has been banned since 15th November 2024.

The act states those who have any vape devices in violation of the law will be fined MVR 2,000 per device. If they refuse to hand over the device to the police, the act gives the relevant authorities the power to fine the individuals an amount of MVR 50,000.

If an individual is caught vaping, they will be fined MVR 5,000. Giving a vape incurs a fine of MVR 10,000 and if a vape is sold, a fine of MVR 20,000 is imposed. The fine for selling a vape to someone who is under 21 years of age is MVR 50,000.

Fines for smuggling such devices has reached more than MVR 723 million as of yet.