Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Search

10,800 Vape Cartridges Worth USD 175,000 Confiscated in Maldives

Dec.11.2025
10,800 Vape Cartridges Worth USD 175,000 Confiscated in Maldives
The Maldives Customs Service has confiscated the largest single shipment of vapes since the national import ban took effect in November 2024. Officials searched a sea freight shipment on December 4 and seized 10,800 vape cartridges valued at approximately MVR 2.7 million (USD 175,000).

Key Points

 

  • Authority: Maldives Customs Service
  • Quantity seized: 10,800 vape cartridges
  • Estimated value: MVR 2.7 million (≈ USD 175,000, based on exchange rate 1 USD ≈ 15.4 MVR)
  • Ban effective: November 15, 2024
  • Cumulative enforcement: Over 66,000 vape items confiscated
  • Penalties: 69 individuals fined over MVR 400 million (≈ USD 25.9 million)
  • Source: Mihaaru, via Right to Information Act request

 

 

2Firsts, December 12, 2025 – According to edition, the Maldives Customs Service has intercepted the largest shipment of vapes since the country’s import ban came into force in November 2024.

 

Customs officers inspected a sea freight consignment on December 4 after identifying it as potentially containing prohibited goods. The inspection led to the seizure of 10,800 vape cartridges, with an estimated street value of MVR 2.7 million (USD 175,000).

 

Authorities confirmed it was the largest single seizure in the past year. In total, the Maldives Customs Service has confiscated over 66,000 vape-related items since the ban was introduced.

 

The national ban on importing vapes and related devices took effect on November 15, 2024. In August 2025, Mihaaru, citing information obtained under the Right to Information Act, reported that 69 individuals were fined for importing vape products between the start of the ban and June 15, 2025, with total fines exceeding MVR 400 million (USD 25.9 million).

 

Customs reaffirmed its commitment to tightening inspection and enforcement measures to curb illicit imports of vape products through maritime and courier channels.

 

Caption: E-cigarettes, pods, and other e-cigarette devices confiscated from students during a school inspection.

Image source: Ministry of Education

 

References:
[1] Customs seizes largest shipment of vape since ban
Also Read:
[1] Maldives Implements World's First Generational Prohibition on Tobacco, Banning Sales and Smoking for Those Born After 2007
[2] Maldives Customs Calls for Cap on E-Cigarette Fines, Citing Enforcement Difficulties
[3] Maldives health ministry opens applications for tobacco sales licenses

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
More than 2,300 units of vape liquid worth over RM75,000 were seized during an integrated operation at premises in Likas near Kota Kinabalu. During Ops Taring Landai E-Cigarette Mega on Feb 10 night, the Marine Police, Sabah Health Department officials and district police detected a shop displaying 92 types of vape pods and, after further searches, found 2,353 units of vape liquid stored on the premises.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kentucky to issue provisional state licenses to tobacco, nicotine and vapor retailers who applied before Jan. 1, 2026
Kentucky to issue provisional state licenses to tobacco, nicotine and vapor retailers who applied before Jan. 1, 2026
Kentucky will issue provisional state licenses to tobacco, nicotine and vapor product retailers that applied for a license with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) before Jan. 1, 2026.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Reuters/AP: China Cancels E-cigarette Export Tax Rebate, Manufacturing Industry Faces Cost and Risk Pressures
Reuters/AP: China Cancels E-cigarette Export Tax Rebate, Manufacturing Industry Faces Cost and Risk Pressures
China officially cancels e-cigarette export tax rebate, putting manufacturing under cost and risk pressure.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over $13,000
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over $13,000
Police in Kirov, Russia, seized unmarked nicotine e-liquids for vapes worth more than 1 million rubles (about $13,000, using 1 ruble = $0.013) in a case involving a 27-year-old entrepreneur. Officers confiscated over 700 bottles from five retail outlets and found more than 8,000 additional units at a warehouse.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports USD 1.096 billion in November, UK and South Korea Offset U.S. Decline
China’s E-Cigarette Exports USD 1.096 billion in November, UK and South Korea Offset U.S. Decline
China’s e-cigarette exports edged lower in November 2025, totaling USD 1.096 billion, down 0.2% month-on-month, as a decline in shipments to the United States was partially offset by stronger demand from the United Kingdom, Germany and South Korea, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Washington State to Bring Synthetic Nicotine Under the Tobacco Tax System, Applying a Unified Tax Starting January 2026
U.S. Washington State to Bring Synthetic Nicotine Under the Tobacco Tax System, Applying a Unified Tax Starting January 2026
Washington State will subject all nicotine-containing products to the Tobacco Products Tax starting January 1, 2026, taxing them at 95% of the selling price. The change covers both tobacco-derived and synthetic nicotine products and requires businesses to report their inventory when the new tax system takes effect.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Related Topics
News
Related Read
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
2FIRSTS.ai
Kentucky to issue provisional state licenses to tobacco, nicotine and vapor retailers who applied before Jan. 1, 2026
Kentucky to issue provisional state licenses to tobacco, nicotine and vapor retailers who applied before Jan. 1, 2026
2FIRSTS.ai
Reuters/AP: China Cancels E-cigarette Export Tax Rebate, Manufacturing Industry Faces Cost and Risk Pressures
Reuters/AP: China Cancels E-cigarette Export Tax Rebate, Manufacturing Industry Faces Cost and Risk Pressures
2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over $13,000
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over $13,000
2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports USD 1.096 billion in November, UK and South Korea Offset U.S. Decline
China’s E-Cigarette Exports USD 1.096 billion in November, UK and South Korea Offset U.S. Decline
2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Washington State to Bring Synthetic Nicotine Under the Tobacco Tax System, Applying a Unified Tax Starting January 2026
U.S. Washington State to Bring Synthetic Nicotine Under the Tobacco Tax System, Applying a Unified Tax Starting January 2026
2FIRSTS.ai
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Contact: info@2firsts.com
Stay up to date.
Submit your email to receive weekly newsletter on the most relevant news of the e-cigarette industry.
© 2026 2FIRSTS. All Right Reserved.
2FIRSTS is only accessible to industry practitioners, researchers, media and other professionals. Access by minors is prohibited.
This website provides services to users outside the Chinese mainland.
English
English
中文