Posted on Tuesday 30th May 2023
Trading Standards Team Leader Laura Burgess with seized vapes
More than 6,000 illegal and oversized vapes have been seized in Staffordshire.
Trading Standards officers from Staffordshire County Council made the discovery when a van travelling on the M6 motorway between Stafford and Manchester was stopped by Staffordshire Police.
Officers from Trading Standards responded to the intelligence report and seized the items worth an estimated £72,000. The items have been confiscated and an investigation will follow.
Victoria Wilson, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said:
“This was a significant seizure and it’s great to get these products off the streets.
“UK laws limit how much nicotine and e-liquid is contained in vapes, and which health warnings are required on packaging. The products are also becoming more popular as an alternative to cigarettes but as their popularity increases, so does the frequency of illegal and counterfeit products.
“Illegal vapes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and more worryingly is that the products are becoming more popular with children, with increasing numbers trying them. Our officers are working closely with the Police to tackle the issue and remove illegal products from the marketplace.”
Officers made the seizure on Sunday 21 May. Over the last 12 months, Trading Standards officers in Staffordshire have seized over 9,400 illegal vapes with a street value of £113,000.
People can report the sale of illegal or counterfeit products on the Trading Standards confidential helpline on 01785330356.