Illegal vapes worth £20,000 seized

The illegal items will be destroyed through "environmentally friendly processes", the council said

Illegal disposable vape pens worth £20,000 have been seized during a series of raids at shops in a seaside city.

A total of 35,000 illicit cigarettes and 19kg of hand-rolling tobacco were also recovered during the warrants in Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea.

Evidence had shown the goods had been sold to children, Southend-on-Sea City Council said.

The illegal items would be destroyed through "environmentally friendly processes", the authority added.

Illicit products have been found to pose a greater health risk than legitimate goods due to the presence of harmful substances and the possibility of them having been smuggled in to the country.

The council said the seized vapes "falsely advertised a capacity of up to 15,000 puffs".

UK regulations claim any product claiming more than 600 puffs are likely to be non-compliant and exceeding legal limits on nicotine strength and tank size.

Essex Police and council staff undertook the warrants in the city

Alan Richards, the council's director for environment and place, said "all available powers" would be used to stop unlawful goods being sold.

“Irresponsible businesses selling these items are not only jeopardising public health, but are also often linked to organised crime," he added.