Posted on: 28 November 2022
Illegal vapes with a street value of approximately £7,400 worth has been seized from a store in Plymouth following an operation by Trading Standards and Devon and Cornwall Police.
Heart of the South West Trading Standards and Devon and Cornwall Police have visited a number of knife retailers as part of the Police’s Operation Sceptre campaign. Trading Standards were ensuring that traders were following age restrictions on knife sales.
Trading Standards also used the joint working opportunity to follow up on intelligence they had received regarding non-compliant vapes being sold.
One visit resulted in the successful seizure of 740 ‘ELUX 3500’ disposable vapes. Vapes are a form of e-cigarette and must follow the requirements of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
The vape’s tank size was not only five times the legally permitted 2ml maximum, but they were not labelled with the contact details of the producer’s EU representative, nor listed with the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
The confiscated vapes, priced at £10 each, were voluntarily surrendered by the store owner and will now be disposed of.
As a continuation of Operation Spectre, a number of engagement and advice visits were also made to premises across Exeter.
Trading Standards officers reminded store owners of the regulations they must follow and of the consequences selling illegal goods or age restricted items to underage customers could have on their livelihoods.
Alex Fry, Operations Manager Intelligence and Investigations, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, said: “We’ve seen a huge increase in vaping as an alternative to cigarettes over the last few years. Originally for those attempting to give up smoking, the bright colours and sweet flavours are now worryingly attracting younger audiences and so it is essential store owners remain vigilant when selling these products.
“Illegal vapes, such as those seized during these visits, have an additional public health risk. They often have excessively high levels of nicotine, over the limits set by law and will not have been authorised by MHRA. This makes them highly addictive and potentially harmful to a person’s health.”