Maldives enforced nationwide ban on vaping

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – According to the Maldives state-run Public Service Media on Sunday reported that Maldives will implement a nationwide ban on the use and sale of vaping devices from Sunday.

It said that the ban follows recent amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, signed into law by President Mohamed Muizzu on November 13.

The amendments stipulate that the sale, free distribution, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices will be illegal beginning December 15.

The PSM reported that importing vaping devices into the Maldives after this date will result in a fine of MVR 50,000 (about 3,250 US dollars), media reported.

Several countries are making moves to tackle youth vaping via banning the manufacture and sale of disposable vaping products.

Muizzu had announced a ban on the importation of vape products in the Maldives after a recommendation from the Maldives NCD Alliance, an alliance of seven Maldivians organizations and health experts.

President Muizzu had said in a social media post “I have directed authorities to take all necessary measures to prohibit the importation of vaping devices and their components from November 15, 2024 and to prohibit the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertising and free distribution of vaping devices in the country from December 15, 2024.”

The Maldives NCD Alliance said that tobacco and tobacco products contribute significantly to the increase in non-communicable diseases in the Maldives.

Maldivian government has also stepped up efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Muizzu also revealed that six times more drugs have been seized so far in 2024 compared to 2023.

He said the drugs seized so far this year are estimated to have a street value of around 84 million US dollars.

Muizzu added that over 150 expatriates linked to drug trafficking have been deported so far this year, which is twice of 2023.

He added that police have raided over 13,435 establishments this year after the nationwide crackdown on trafficking, added that around 8,500 raids were conducted last year.