Maldives Customs Service has seized 15,601 vape cartridges concealed within a sea freight shipment in what authorities say is the largest interception of vape products since the nationwide import ban came into effect.

According to Customs, the seizure was made on June 18 during a special operation conducted at the Male’ Commercial Harbor.

The operation was launched following intelligence indicating that a shipment arriving at the harbor contained prohibited items.

During the inspection, officers examined a consignment declared as general cargo and discovered 15,601 vape cartridges carefully concealed within the shipment.

The products were subsequently confiscated and taken into customs custody.

The seizure marks the largest haul of vape-related products intercepted by Customs since the government prohibited the import of vapes and electronic cigarettes on November 15, 2024.

Customs statistics show that authorities have intensified enforcement efforts against the illegal importation of vape products.

Within the past five days alone, three separate operations have resulted in the seizure of a total of 22,309 vape cartridges.

The Maldives Customs Service stated that investigations into the latest seizure are ongoing as authorities work to determine those responsible for the attempted smuggling operation.

The government introduced the vape import ban as part of broader measures aimed at restricting the availability of electronic smoking devices in the Maldives.