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

Dec.11

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

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