Abdulla Mahil Shaheem, son of Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has resigned from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Youth Advisory Council after being caught smuggling vape accessories into the Maldives.

Mahil, 22, was stopped by Maldives Customs officers upon his arrival in Malé from Malaysia, where he resides with his wife and child. He was briefly detained and later released after being fined over MVR 1 million. The Maldives banned the import of vapes, e-cigarettes, and related accessories on December 15, 2024, with violators facing heavy penalties.

The incident has drawn widespread public criticism, with many calling for his removal from the government-appointed youth council. His resignation comes in the wake of these demands.

Mahil previously attracted controversy when he was appointed to a senior post at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs despite lacking qualifications and experience. Following public backlash, his appointment was withdrawn.

In response to the latest incident, Minister Shaheem stated on X that vape accessories were “not found on his body,” but he did not dispute reports that his son was caught smuggling a large quantity of the banned products.