More than 7,000 vape sticks and two million cigarettes have been seized by Maldives Customs Service during the past one and a half months, according to Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office yesterday, the minister shared updates on enforcement efforts undertaken by agencies operating under the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology to curb the import of prohibited items into the Maldives.

Minister Ihusaan said Customs has intensified operations to intercept illegal goods being smuggled into the country, particularly following the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which bans the import, sale and use of vapes and related products in the Maldives.

According to the minister, the enforcement operations conducted over the past one and a half months resulted in the seizure of more than 7,000 vape devices, along with over two million cigarettes that had been brought into the country illegally.

The amended law, which came into effect on 15 December 2024, prohibits the import, sale and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Under the law, individuals found smuggling such products may face fines of up to MVR 50,000, while additional penalties apply for each vape device imported, sold or distributed.