More than 1,100 vape cartridges and vaping devices have been seized at Malé Commercial Harbour, Customs has revealed.

Maldives Customs Service said that the items were discovered during an operation targeting a sea cargo shipment suspected of containing prohibited goods. The operation resulted in the seizure of 1,108 vape cartridges and 27 vape devices.

Customs said the items had been concealed inside cans of potato chips and packets of chocolate powder. The seized vape cartridges are estimated to be worth more than MVR 380,000, while the vaping devices are valued at over MVR 20,000.

The case is currently under further investigation.

The seizure follows similar operations carried out in recent months. In one of the largest cases, Customs seized 10,800 vape cartridges being smuggled into the Maldives, with the items estimated to have a street value of MVR 3.7 million.

Under amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, the import, use and trade of vaping products are prohibited in the Maldives and carry substantial penalties.