Police Fine 39 Individuals a Total of MVR 192,500 for Vape Violations in April

In April, the police issued fines to 39 individuals for offenses related to vaping, with the total fines amounting to MVR 192,500. Since December 15 of the previous year, the Maldives has imposed a ban on the import, sale, and use of vapes under the Tobacco Control Act. Since the enforcement of this ban, law enforcement has been actively fining individuals for violating the regulations.

According to a police statement, the fines were imposed between April 1 and April 30. Additionally, the police now have the authority to confiscate vapes from those found in violation of the law.

The fines for vaping offenses are structured as follows: carrying a vape results in a fine of MVR 2,000. If an individual refuses to surrender vapes or related items to the police, the fine increases to MVR 50,000. Vaping itself is penalized with a MVR 5,000 fine, while distributing vapes incurs a fine of MVR 10,000. The sale of vapes carries a MVR 20,000 fine, which increases to MVR 50,000 if the sale involves someone under the age of 21.