Vape oil shipment believed to contain cannabis tests negative for drugs

A shipment of vape cartridges that was seized by Maldives Customers Service in October after authorities believed it to be a cannabis shipment has tested negative for drugs.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had announced the decision to implement a ban on vaping in the Maldives on October 14. The same day, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan said in a post on X that Customs had seized a shipment of cannabis labeled as “vape oil.”

He said that the smuggle of drugs disguised as vapes was the main reason for the decision to impose the vaping ban.

He accompanied the post with a photo of six opened cardboard boxes containing vape oil cartridges.

Dhaadhi dhemmeaku “Vape Oil” ge namugai raajjeah ethere kurevunu masthuvaathaketheege baavathehkamahvaa Cannabis alhaafaivaa shipmenteh @CustomsMv in hifahattaifi. Mi ee Raees @MMuizzu miadhu nengevi decision nangavan jehunu emme bodu eh sababu. pic.twitter.com/gThUJ6rhYt

— Minister of Homeland Security & Technology (@min_mohst) October 14, 2024

A police spokesperson said on Tuesday that it tested negative for drugs.

The Parliament had passed legislature banning the import, sale, free distribution, and use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes in the Maldives on October 12. The bill was ratified by President Muizzu the next day.

The new legislature banned the import of e-cigarettes, vaping devices and spare parts on November 15. Meanwhile, the use, possession, production, sale, distribution and advertisement of e-cigarettes and vaping devices will be banned starting December 15.