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The Maldives Police Service announced today that 30 individuals were fined last August for various vape-related offences, with total fines amounting to MVR 150,000.
According to the police, 14 people were fined for using vapes, while 16 were fined for possessing them. Vape users were fined a total of MVR 85,000, and vape possessors were fined MVR 65,000.
The import, sale, and use of vapes have been banned in the Maldives since December 15, 2024, under the Tobacco Control Act. Since the ban came into effect, police have been actively enforcing the law and issuing fines to violators.
Police reported investigating 11 vape-related cases last month. These included:
- 4 cases of vape possession
- 4 cases of vape use
- 3 other related offences
Previously, police lacked the authority to seize vaping devices. However, this changed in February 2025 when the Health Ministry issued a general regulation under the Tobacco Control Act, granting police the power to confiscate vapes.
The new rules outline specific fines for different vape-related violations:
- MVR 2,000 for illegal possession of a vape
- MVR 5,000 for using a vape
- MVR 10,000 for giving a vape to someone for free
- MVR 20,000 for selling a vape
- MVR 50,000 for selling a vape to a person under 21
- MVR 50,000 for refusing to hand over a vape to authorities
The police emphasized that enforcement efforts will continue, and that both possession and use of vaping devices are punishable offences under current laws.
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