206 vape cases in 7 months yield nearly MVR 1M in fines

Fines totaling nearly one million Rufiyaa have been levied between December 2024 and July 2025 for various infractions related to the use and possession of vape products.

Law enforcement officials report that a sum of MVR 974,500 was collected from 206 vape-related cases between December 15 and July 31.

According to police statistics provided to Sun, from December 15 to 31, one individual was fined for vape possession and sixteen for vape use, resulting in MVR 85,500 in collected fines during that period.

Authorities also indicated that during this timeframe, reported instances of vape use involved minors, who were subsequently questioned, their statements documented, and relevant agencies notified.

In January of the current year, MVR 75,000 in fines was imposed across 14 cases involving vape possession and use. In February, a total of MVR 65,000 was collected from four individuals found in possession of vapes and nine cited for vape use. March saw MVR 129,500 in fines from 14 individuals for vape possession, alongside fines for 17 others for vape use. In April, MVR 192,500 was collected from nine individuals carrying vapes and 29 individuals using them.

Following a decrease in May, the amount of fines collected for various vape-related offenses increased in June. Subsequently, the collected fine amounts have declined compared to June.

In May, 20 individuals were apprehended for vape possession, 13 for use, and two for other related offenses, yielding a total of MVR 130,000 in fines. In June, MVR 170,000 was collected from 18 individuals for vape use and 16 for vape possession. Last month, MVR 127,000 was collected from 13 individuals for use, nine for possession, and one for trading in vapes.

The Maldivian government has undertaken resolute measures to address the pervasive threat of tobacco, thereby safeguarding its populace from a significant public health crisis. This unwavering commitment is underscored by a punitive cigarette duty and an absolute prohibition on vaping.

This decisive ban on vaping emerged as a critical response to the alarming proliferation of addiction, particularly among the nation's youth, including schoolchildren, who were succumbing to this perilous epidemic. The importation and trade of vapes are now unequivocally prohibited in the Maldives, with stringent measures in place to prosecute those who contravene this vital decree.

Pursuant to the Tobacco Control Act, an individual may incur a fine of MVR 10,000 for providing a vape gratuitously. Any person found using a vape is subject to a fine of MVR 5,000. Vape vendors will be fined MVR 20,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 levied for each vape sold.

Vaping was officially banned in Maldives on December 15, 2024.