Police dispose of over 900 vape items after seizing them in illegal sales operation

More than 900 vapes seized by police while being sold illegally were destroyed on Tuesday.

Police said the items were destroyed at the Galolhu Police Station in accordance with procedures governing the disposal of contraband held in police custody.

The vapes were confiscated during a joint operation conducted last Thursday by the Galolhu Investigation and Response Team and Patrol units. A 34‑year‑old Bangladeshi national, identified as Chion, was arrested in connection with the case and has since been handed over to Immigration.

Earlier, police reported that 959 nano sticks, 34 flavour bottles, and 11 disposable vape sticks were recovered from Chion’s residence.

The Maldives banned the import of vapes on 15 November 2024 as part of the government’s anti‑tobacco campaign. The possession and use of vapes were prohibited one month later.