Police granted authority to seize, destroy vapes
Since the ban on vaping came into effect on 15 December, police have reported issuing fines totalling MVR 130,500 as of 5 February.
The police have been given the authority to seize and destroy vape devices prohibited under the Tobacco Control Act.
While fines have previously been imposed on individuals for possession and distribution of vapes, the law did not grant police the power to seize the devices. The newly gazetted tobacco control regulations, drafted by the Ministry of Health, have now provided this authority.
Under the new regulations, police have the power to:
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Seize vape devices found in possession.
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Take vape devices into custody if discovered during a search warrant.
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Destroy all seized vape devices, which cannot be returned.
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Submit a detailed report on the seizure and destruction of vape devices to the Ministry of Health every six months.
Additionally, police can now impose a fine of MVR 50,000 on individuals who refuse to hand over vape devices.
The Tobacco Control Act already prohibits vaping, including its use, free distribution, and sale, with penalties as follows:
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Importing vaping devices or related products: MVR 50,000 fine, plus up to MVR 10,000 per imported item.
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Selling vaping devices or related products: MVR 20,000 fine, plus up to MVR 10,000 per item sold.
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Distributing vaping devices or related products for free: MVR 10,000 fine.
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Selling or distributing vaping devices to minors: Additional MVR 50,000 fine.
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Using a vaping device: MVR 5,000 fine.
Since the ban on vaping came into effect on 15 December, police have reported issuing fines totalling MVR 130,500 as of 5 February.
