Police have revealed that more than 500 vapes and vape cartridges were seized in an operation conducted Friday in Male' City.  
According to police, two houses and two vehicles were raided following a tip‑off. 89 cartridges were found under the seat of a motorcycle.  
From the houses:  
190 cartridges of various types, nine nano sticks, and one disposable pod were recovered from the first house.  
331 cartridges of various types, six refill cartridges, and seven pods were recovered from the second house.  
In total, 544 items were confiscated from the two houses.  
Police said one person has been fined in connection with the case. A Facebook page selling vapes was also taken into custody, though no arrests have been made. 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 components 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, 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.