Customs Seizes 1,108 Vape Cartridges

Maldives Customs Service has seized a large quantity of illicit vape cartridges attempted to be smuggled into the country hidden within a sea freight shipment.

These items were seized during a special operation conducted by Customs at the Male’ Commercial Harbor.

Maldives Customs Service announced on Tuesday that the seizure took place during an inspection conducted on June 14 and 15, following suspicions regarding a shipment imported into the country. According to the agency, the operation was launched after authorities suspected that a sea freight consignment contained illicit items.

During the operation, authorities discovered 1,108 vape cartridges meticulously concealed within containers of potato chips and packets of chocolate powder. Customs officials further reported that 27 vaping devices were also seized from the shipment. All confiscated items have since been taken into Customs custody.

Customs stated that the matter is currently undergoing further investigation.

Following the 2024 amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, the importation, sale, and use of vaping products have been strictly prohibited in the Maldives effective December of that year. The government implemented this measure under the guise of protecting public health and curbing the rising trend of vaping among the youth. However, in the wake of this decision, many have alleged that a significant black market network for vaping products has emerged across the country.