Police have seized about 150 vapes and vape cartridges from a Facebook page that was selling the banned devices.  
According to police, two houses and two vehicles in Male' City were raided on Friday following a tip‑off. 89 vape cartridges were recovered from under the seat of a motorcycle, while 59 cartridges were found in an apartment.  
One person has been fined in connection with the case. Despite the Facebook page being taken into police custody, no arrests have been made so far. Police said investigations are ongoing.  
Statistics released by Maldives Customs on November 20 show that more than 53,000 vaping items have been seized in the year since the ban was imposed.  
The government banned the import, sale, distribution, and possession of vaping devices and accessories under the amended Tobacco Control Act, which came into effect on December 15, 2024.  
Under the law:  
Using a vape device carries a fine of MVR 5,000.  
Selling vape devices or accessories carries a fine of MVR 20,000, plus MVR 10,000 per item sold.  
Distributing vapes for free carries a fine of MVR 10,000.  
Selling to minors incurs an additional fine of MVR 50,000.  
In October, 35 people were fined a total of MVR 226,000 for violations related to vaping and tobacco sales.  
Beyond vaping, the government has introduced stricter tobacco measures. From November 1, 2025, anyone born after January 1, 2007 is permanently barred from buying or using tobacco products, a generational ban that also applies to tourists. Duties on tobacco have also been increased, raising retail prices.  
The Ministry of Health has described the new rules as a “historic milestone” in building a tobacco‑free society.