Ministry of Health has instructed the Maldives Customs Service to confiscate and destroy any materials for the production of tobacco products imported in violation of the Tobacco Control Act.

In a formal letter addressed to Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana, the ministry emphasized that the importation of cigarette paper and other materials used in the production of tobacco products is strictly prohibited under the Act. 

Additionally, any equipment or tools used to manufacture such products are also subject to seizure and destruction.

According to Article 10 of the Tobacco Control Act, the production of tobacco or tobacco-related products in any quantity is forbidden within the Maldives. 

The Act classifies all items containing tobacco, tobacco sticks, nicotine, or similar substances as tobacco products.

This directive follows a significant increase in demand for tobacco products since October 31 last year, when the duty on tobacco-based cigarettes and bidi was raised.