Customs seizes smuggled 2,062 vaping equipment at airport
The items were confiscated from three individuals who arrived from Malaysia Tuesday.
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Maldives Customs has seized 2,062 items, including vapes and related equipment, that were smuggled into the country by air.
The items were confiscated from three individuals who arrived from Malaysia Tuesday. Customs has not disclosed their nationality.
Following further searches, authorities found the items concealed in their luggage. The seized equipment includes:
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1,714 nano sticks
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200 Terrier sticks
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96 Caliban cartridges
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50 Vmate cartridges
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2 bottles of flavoured vape liquid
Customs has launched an investigation into the case.
Previously, vaping products have been seized while being smuggled into the country by sea.
Under last year’s amendment to the Tobacco Prohibition Act, the importation, use, and distribution of vapes are banned. The law also sets out penalties for violations, including:
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Importing vaping devices and related products: Fine of MVR 50,000, with an additional fine of up to MVR 10,000 per device
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Selling such devices or products: Fine of MVR 20,000, with up to MVR 10,000 per item sold
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Distributing these products for free: Fine of MVR 10,000
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Selling or distributing to a minor: Additional fine of MVR 50,000
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Personal use of banned vaping products: Fine of MVR 5,000
