A senior Trading Standards officer, Paul Leighton, is no stranger to the elaborate schemes used to conceal illegal vapes. Armed with tools like a heavy-duty hammer and pry bar, he delves into his daily routine of uncovering illicit goods. From fridges to fake fuse boxes, the hiding spots for these non-compliant vapes are diverse and cunning, often requiring forceful entry.
Between 2022 and 2024, more than six million illegal vaping products were confiscated in England, as per BBC’s analysis. The risks associated with using such products are significant, with Connor Lamb, a senior licensing technician, highlighting the potential harm to unsuspecting customers. The difference in capacity between legal and illegal vapes can have drastic consequences on one’s health, especially if consumed improperly, such as by minors on a night out.
Despite efforts by Trading Standards teams nationwide, the issue of illegal vapes remains widespread. Reports show that over 6 million illicit or non-compliant vaping products were seized, with 3,766 cases of retailers selling to children. Closure orders have been issued to hundreds of shops found to be violating the law, prompting actions like a ban on single-use vapes starting from June 1.
The government is allocating an additional £10m to Trading Standards to combat underage and illicit sales, with the hope that the ban on single-use vapes will alleviate some of the challenges facing enforcement officers. With organised crime groups involved in this illicit trade, the battle against illegal vapes is ongoing, requiring continuous efforts to make a meaningful impact
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