More than £95k in illegal vapes seized as GMP crackdown on illicit sales

In Stockport, three premises visits in partnership with Trading Standards took place on 21 September 2023, resulting in £80,000 worth of illegal vapes being seized.

They were all seized for having more than the legal limit of liquid in the chamber, and a few were also displaying the wrong health warnings.

The UK legal limit on nicotine in disposable e-cigarettes is no more than two per cent (20ml) and must not exceed 2ml in capacity - around 600 'puffs'.

Elsewhere across the force, officers acted on intelligence received by the local community and in partnership with enforcement officers from Trading Standards, seized 942 vapes from iBlaze Vape in Burnage on 14 September 2023. Their approximate value was £16,500.

Sergeant Stuart Farrell, of GMP's COM South Neighbourhood Team, said: “These results will have made a dent in the pockets of these traders.

“Many of the disposable vapes seized had packaging and flavouring aimed specifically to appeal to children and young people.

“There has been a rapid rise of vaping among children and young people, including the use of cheaper illicit and unregulated vape which is extremely concerning.

“The health implications they have on young people can be significant, and the rise of single-use vapes is causing environmental issues across the country.

"As a force, Greater Manchester Police are committed to making communities safer and better places to live and work, and we will always work closely with community members to ensure we achieve this.

"If there is anything anyone is concerned about relating to illicit vapes, I would encourage them to contact us via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website www.gmp.police.uk.

"Information can also be passed through the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111."