Authorities imposed MVR 150,000 in fines in August for violations of the nationwide ban on vaping devices and e-cigarettes, according to a statement issued by Maldives Police Service on Monday.

The ban, enacted through amendments to the Tobacco Control Act in December 2024, prohibits the import, sale, free distribution, and use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes across the country.

Police reported a total of 11 incidents in August involving vapes and e-cigarettes.

These included four cases of use, four cases of possession, and three other related violations.

A total of 30 individuals were fined—16 for possession and 14 for use—resulting in MVR 85,000 in fines for vaping and MVR 65,000 for possession.

Under the new anti-smoking regulations, penalties include:

MVR 5,000 for using vapes

MVR 20,000 for selling vapes

MVR 10,000 per vaping device sold

MVR 10,000 for free distribution of vapes

The administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu implemented the comprehensive vape ban in mid-December 2024 as part of its broader anti-smoking campaign.

In May 2025, the government also introduced a generational smoking ban, prohibiting tobacco use for all Maldivian citizens born in or after 2007, effective November.