Maldives Customs Service has confiscated 5,600 vape cartridges following the discovery of an attempted smuggling operation involving a sea freight shipment at the Malé Commercial Harbor.

According to Customs, the seizure was made during a special operation conducted on Tuesday after authorities received intelligence indicating that a shipment arriving by sea may have contained prohibited or undeclared items.

The cargo had been declared as general goods during the import process.

However, a detailed inspection carried out by Customs officers uncovered thousands of vape cartridges concealed within the shipment.

Officials confirmed that a total of 5,600 vape cartridges were recovered during the operation and have since been taken into Customs custody.

The seizure forms part of ongoing efforts to prevent the illegal importation of restricted products and strengthen enforcement at the country's ports of entry.

Customs authorities have launched an investigation to identify those involved in the attempted import and determine whether any violations of import regulations or other laws were committed.

The Maldives has tightened restrictions on vaping products in recent years as part of broader tobacco control measures, with authorities continuing to monitor and intercept attempts to bring prohibited items into the country.