In a decisive move against the illicit vaping market, authorities have conducted targeted operations in the Malé city, leading to significant seizures and arrest.
Acting on intelligence reports, the Maldives Police Service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, executed a series of raids. A residence and a café suspected of being involved in the sale and distribution of vaping products were searched, resulting in the confiscation of 84 vape cartridges and a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds from illegal sales. The primary suspect, identified as 27-year-old Bangladeshi national MD Abu Sufian, was apprehended in connection with the operation.
Further investigations led authorities to a shop in the Galolhu district, where suspicions of vape trading prompted a search that uncovered a considerable stockpile of vaping devices. All seized items have been taken into custody as evidence, and both cases are currently under active investigation by the police.
ގަވާއިދާ ހިލާފަށް ވޭފްގެ ވިޔަފާރިކުރާކަަމަށް ތުހުމަތުކުރެވޭ މައްސަލައާ ގުޅިގެން ހާއްސަ އޮޕަރޭޝަނެއް ހިންގައިފި https://t.co/OEdv0wPNNU pic.twitter.com/LssyWqeuKm
— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) March 6, 2025
These enforcement actions come in the wake of recent amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, aimed at curbing the use and distribution of vaping products in the Maldives. Effective from December 15, 2024, the updated legislation imposes stringent penalties on violations:
- Importing vaping devices: A base fine of MVR 50,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 per device.
- Selling vaping devices: A fine of MVR 20,000, plus MVR 10,000 for each item sold.
- Free distribution of vaping devices: A penalty of MVR 10,000 per device.
- Selling or distributing to minors: An additional fine of MVR 50,000.
- Personal use of vaping devices: A fine of MVR 5,000.
The amendments also raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening public health measures.
Since the enforcement of these regulations, authorities have been vigilant in their implementation. Between December 15 and December 22, nine individuals were fined a total of MVR 50,000 for vaping-related offenses, including a notable case where an individual was fined MVR 10,000 for using an e-cigarette while driving.
The government has also introduced measures to facilitate compliance, such as the Vaaru Pay system, which allows offenders to pay fines online via links sent through SMS notifications.
These concerted efforts underscore the Maldives’ dedication to enforcing its vaping ban and promoting a healthier environment for its citizens.
