Around 1,000 illegal disposable vapes seized from Brighton and Hove shop
Trading Standards officers visited over 25 businesses during a month-long crackdown on illicit vape sales
Around 1,000 illegal disposable vapes have been seized from a shop in Brighton and Hove during a month-long crackdown of illicit vape sales in the city.
Trading Standards teams visited over 25 local businesses with the aim of providing advice and guidance on the legislation surrounding vapes, as well as underage sales.
Of the product seized, the majority contained oversized tanks, with capacities varying between 3,500 and 9,000 puffs.
Putting that into perspective, one cigarette contains around 12.5 puffs, making a 3,500 puff e-cigarette the equivalent to 280 cigarettes.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Chair of the City Environment, South Downs and The Sea Committee, said: “I am very pleased with the work our Trading Standards officers are doing to tackle illicit vapes and underage sales.
“It’s disappointing that there are businesses in our city that are willing to put the health of our citizens at risk by selling illegal goods.
“The rapid rise of vaping among children and young people, including the use of cheaper illicit and unregulated vapes, is extremely concerning. It introduces nicotine addiction to generations, who might not have smoked otherwise.
“I’m also very concerned about the rise of disposable vapes. Aside from the health implications, they are completely unsustainable in terms of waste and I would encourage our local businesses to avoid stocking them entirely.
“Manufacturers are well aware that most are not disposed of correctly, and of the harm they cause by releasing plastic, electronic and hazardous chemical waste into the environment. They can also cause fire or pose health and safety risks at landfill sites.”
Research has also revealed many illicit vapes can contain dangerous chemicals such as lead, tin and nickel.