Over MVR 723 million in fines imposed for illegal importation of vapes, yet only MVR 800,000 has been recovered to date
10 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:19Customs statistics reveal that 232 individuals have been fined a total of over MVR 732 million for illegally importing vapes into the Maldives, with a single individual accounting for a staggering MVR 156 million of that total. While Malaysia has been identified as the primary source of these imports, the state has so far recovered only MVR 850,000 in paid fines.
Customs Seizes Large Shipment of Contraband Vape Cartridges Imported into Maldives. | Customs
Despite imposing fines exceeding MVR 723 million for the illegal importation of vapes into the Maldives, the Maldives Customs Service has revealed that only MVR 850,000 has been recovered by the state to date.
Customs disclosed this information in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request. According to the agency, 232 individuals have been fined between the date the vape import ban took effect and July 2026.
Maldives Customs Service has stated that the total outstanding fines for these individuals have reached MVR 732,520,000. However, the agency noted that only MVR 850,000 of the total amount has been recovered so far.
Customs statistics reveal that the highest individual fine imposed among those penalized reached 156 million Rufiyaa. This record fine was issued to an individual in connection with the illegal importation of 15,601 vape units into the Maldives.
Furthermore, Customs authorities reported that the majority of confiscated vape products were seized from passengers arriving in the Maldives from Malaysia.
President Muizzu has ordered a ban on the import of vaping devices and their individual components into the Maldives, effective from November 15, 2024.
