The Maldives Police Service has gained authority to seize and destroy vaping devices, with new regulations introducing penalties of up to MVR 50,000 for non-compliance and strict requirements for tobacco-related businesses. The regulations are part of a broader strategy to protect public health, with comprehensive smoking bans in public places and government buildings. Since December 15, police have collected MVR 130,500 in fines, with penalties ranging from MVR 5,000 for users to MVR 50,000 plus MVR 10,000 per item for importers.