Police have seized 156 vape cartridges and other vaping products during an operation targeting suspected illegal importation and sales of vaping products in the Maldives, with authorities also investigating possible money laundering linked to the case.
The operation was carried out on September 21 after Maldives Police Service received intelligence regarding suspected illegal activity involving vaping products.
As part of the operation, officers stopped two Maldivian men travelling on a motorcycle and questioned them.
Police subsequently searched the motorcycle as well as an apartment at Amaan Udhares that authorities said was connected to the two men.
The searches resulted in the seizure of 156 vape cartridges, nano sticks and more than MVR 6,000 in cash.
Police suspect the money may be proceeds from illegal activity, although the source of the funds remains under investigation.
The case is being investigated over the suspected illegal import and sale of vaping products as well as possible money laundering.
Police have not disclosed further details about the two men or announced whether charges have been sought against them.
The operation comes amid continued enforcement against an underground market for vaping products despite a nationwide ban introduced nearly two years ago.
The Maldives prohibited the import of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, accessories and related products from November 15, 2024.
A wider prohibition took effect a month later, on December 15, making the possession, use, manufacture, sale, promotion and free distribution of vaping devices and associated products illegal across the country.
The restrictions apply to both Maldivians and foreign visitors.
The Tobacco Control Act was further amended in 2025, strengthening enforcement provisions and expressly prohibiting the possession and use of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and products intended for use with them. The changes also provided a clearer legal framework for authorities to seize prohibited devices.
Authorities have continued to intercept vaping products despite the ban.
In August this year, Maldives Customs Service seized 800 vape cartridges that were allegedly being brought into the country by air. Under existing penalties, illegal possession, use and sale of vaping products can result in separate fines, while refusing to surrender prohibited devices can attract a substantially higher penalty.
The government has also continued to tighten its broader tobacco control policy. A generational tobacco ban came into effect on November 1, 2025, prohibiting people born on or after January 1, 2007 from purchasing, using or being sold tobacco products in the Maldives. The vape prohibition, however, applies regardless of age.
The latest police operation indicates that enforcement efforts are increasingly examining not only the possession and sale of banned vaping products, but also the financial activity potentially connected to the illegal trade.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
