The Maldives Customs Service has confiscated a major consignment of vapes following a targeted operation on 4 December. Officers launched the operation after receiving intelligence that a sea-freight shipment might contain prohibited goods.

Customs confirmed that 10,800 vape cartridges were seized. According to Superintendent of Customs Mohamed Afzal, the haul is valued at MVR 2.7 million and represents the largest single seizure since the lifting of the import ban.

Despite the previous ban on vape imports, which came into force on 15 November 2025, Afzal noted that enforcement efforts remain significant. He stated that more than 66,000 vapes have been seized so far this year alone.

Under amendments to the Tobacco Act, the sale, use, and import of vapes and related products remain prohibited in the Maldives. Authorities say they will continue to intensify monitoring to curb attempts to bring such items into the country.