Fines for vape offences total MVR 226,000 in October
Fines totalling MVR 226,000 were issued last month for various offences related to the use and possession of vapes and e-cigarettes.
Top Stories
-
Serious crime suspects can't be released 'in 5 mins': President
-
Police identify 5 arrested in Addu in major drug network bust
-
Govt may allow return of 1-bedroom flats for reapplication: Pres
-
President says many public requests addressed, more under review
-
‘Drug café’ owners could face 15 years in jail, million-MVR fines
The Maldives Police Service has reported that fines totalling MVR 226,000 were issued last month for various offences related to the use and possession of vapes and e-cigarettes.
According to police data, 35 individuals were fined in connection with 25 cases involving vape and e-cigarette use and possession. The fines were distributed as follows: 15 for possession and 19 for use of such devices.
The total fines imposed included MVR 104,000 for using vapes, MVR 97,000 for possession, MVR 20,000 for buying or selling, and MVR 5,000 for other related offences.
The police noted that the use and import of vapes have been prohibited in the Maldives since 15 December 2024, under amendments to the Tobacco Control Act. The law also establishes fines for import, sale, use, and distribution of vaping products.
Under the current regulations:
-
Importing vaping devices or related products carries a fine of MVR 50,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 for each device imported.
-
Selling such products results in a fine of MVR 20,000, and up to MVR 10,000 for each item sold.
-
Distributing these products free of charge incurs a fine of MVR 10,000.
-
If the sale or free distribution involves a child, an additional MVR 50,000 fine is imposed.
-
Using such products carries a fine of MVR 5,000.
The police urged the public to comply with the ban and to refrain from using or distributing vapes and e-cigarettes.
