'Over-sized' vapes 16 times legal limit seized

Illegal vapes were seized from a store in Holbeach

Illegal, "over-sized" vapes have been seized from shops in Lincolnshire, officials said.

Mark Keal, head of the county's trading standards, said some vapes contained up to 10,000 puffs - more than 16 times the legal limit.

He made the disclosure as officers investigate separate claims a store in Holbeach was selling illegal vapes to children.

Lincolnshire Police said a number of devices were seized when they discovered a hide behind the store's counter.

Mr Keal added: "As vapes have exploded in popularity in recent years, the sale of illegal, oversized vapes has become a new battleground for Trading Standards.

"As a rule, disposable vapes should have around 600 puffs. If you see vapes advertised as containing more, they are almost certainly illegal and you should report this to us."

Stores closed

Trading standards had closed stores selling illegal vapes and secured fines, Mr Keal said.

It was recently revealed trading standards had intercepted “tens of thousands of illicit vapes” at Killingholme port.

North Lincolnshire Council said it had seized around 320,000 illegal vapes worth £2.5m since 2022.

Anyone with information about shops selling illegal vapes or cigarettes, or selling vapes to children, is asked to contact trading standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service.

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