Abdulla Maahil Shaheem, son of Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has been fined MVR 1.1 million after being caught with a large quantity of vape and e-cigarette accessories at Velana International Airport.

Maahil, who resides in Kuala Lumpur with his wife and child, was stopped by customs officers upon arrival in Malé from Malaysia. He was reportedly detained briefly before being released.

The Maldives banned the import, sale, and use of vaping products — including e-cigarettes and related accessories — on December 15, 2024.

Maahil is a member of President Mohamed Muizzu’s Youth Advisory Council. He was previously appointed to a senior post at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but the appointment was withdrawn after public criticism.

Minister Shaheem, posting on X, denied that vape accessories were found “on his body,” but did not refute reports that his son was fined for bringing the banned items into the country.

Authorities have not issued further details about the quantity of products seized.