Police Seize 150 Vapes in Raids Targeting Online Sales in Malé

Police in Malé City have confiscated approximately 150 vapes and vape cartridges during raids on two homes and two vehicles linked to an illicit online Facebook page. The operation, conducted on Friday, followed a tip-off, leading to the discovery of 89 vape cartridges hidden under a motorcycle seat and another 59 in an apartment. One individual has been fined in connection with the case, although no arrests have been made so far. Investigations are ongoing. This comes as part of broader efforts to enforce the Tobacco Control Act, amended in December 2024, which bans the import, sale, distribution, and possession of vaping devices. Customs data released in November revealed that over 53,000 vaping items have been seized since the ban took effect. The government has also introduced stricter tobacco measures, including a generational ban preventing anyone born after January 1, 2007, from purchasing tobacco products.