Illegal vape haul seized in Barrow shop raid
The items were discovered hidden inside the shop
Police in Barrow have seized a large stash of illegal disposable vape pens and other banned products during a raid in the town centre.
Officers from the neighbourhood policing team carried out the enforcement on 7 August after visiting the premises for a routine licensing check.
The items were discovered hidden inside the shop - kept out of sight and not on display for customers.
The case has now been passed to Trading Standards for further investigation.
"one less stash on the streets"
Sergeant Paul Holmes, Barrow NPT said: “These illegal products don’t just flout regulations, they also pose as a health and safety at risk to our communities.
“As a result of the seizure there is one less stash on the streets in Barrow.
“We remain committed to tackling the sale of illegal goods and protecting the wellbeing of our residents.”
A spokesperson from Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards added: "On receiving information from Cumbria Police, Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards revisited the business the following day and were alarmed to find a quantity of disposable vapes on sale at the premise, two months after the nationwide ban.
"Since 1 June 2025, it is illegal for a business to sell any single-use (disposable) vapes and applies to all retailers, including online stores.
"The illegal vapes were seized by Trading Standards officers and an investigation is ongoing.
"Westmorland and Furness residents are reminded that if they see any single-use vapes on sale in shops, or they believe a business is selling unregulated products, they can report this to Trading Standards".