Maldives seizes 2 million cigarettes, 7,000 vape devices in 6 weeks
The minister said enforcement agencies have increased monitoring and operations targeting illegal imports and sales.
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Authorities seized about 2 million cigarettes and 7,000 vape devices during operations conducted over the past one and a half months, the government said on Thursday.
Home Minister Ali Ihusan shared the figures during a press conference at the President's Office.
According to Ihusan, the items were seized during enforcement operations carried out by the Maldives Customs Service and the Maldives Police Service.
He said that during the past six weeks authorities seized around 7,000 vape devices and about 2 million cigarettes.
The minister said enforcement agencies have increased monitoring and operations targeting illegal imports and sales.
The government raised the price of cigarettes from the end of 2024. Following the increase, authorities reported cases involving counterfeit brands and smuggled cigarettes.
The use and import of vape products are prohibited in the Maldives. The law also provides fines for violations related to the possession, import or sale of such devices.
Authorities said operations to identify and seize illegal tobacco products and vape devices will continue.
