Maldives Customs Service has reported significant progress in anti-narcotics and enforcement operations so far this year, including a sharp increase in drug seizures and confiscations of banned vape products.

Speaking during the “Trade Desk” programme organised by the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Customs Deputy Chief Superintendent Ahmed Niyaz said authorities had seized more than 86 kilograms of narcotics during the year.

He said the figure represents an increase of around 400 per cent compared to the same period last year. He stated that the progress had been achieved through cooperation with the Maldives Police Service and international partners involved in enforcement operations.

Highlighting additional enforcement efforts, Niyaz stated that customs authorities had also seized more than 70,000 vape sticks and approximately 25 million cigarettes during the same period.

The Maldives banned the import of vape products and their components from November 15, 2024, while the use, manufacture, sale and advertisement of vaping products were prohibited nationwide from December 15, 2024.

Niyaz stated that customs operations continue to focus on preventing the smuggling of prohibited items and narcotics into the Maldives, noting that enforcement efforts had intensified in recent years following the introduction of stricter regulations targeting vape products and illegal substances.