Illegal vapes and tobacco worth thousands seized

The vapes and tobacco seized in Long Eaton

Illegal vapes and tobacco products worth thousands of pounds were seized in a raid in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Police and county council Trading Standards teams carried out a joint operation at a store in Long Eaton - which the authorities have not named - on Thursday.

Reports had been made that products which did not meet legal requirements were being sold.

Inside, 1,060 illegal packs of cigarettes, illegal tobacco weighing 1.25kg, and 287 illegal vapes were seized.

Long Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team officers say the haul had a value of £5,800.

'Very serious offence'

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “Illegal tobacco products pose health risks due to contaminants and failing to meet manufacturing standards including issues related to ongoing burning and a higher fire risk.

“The true content of illegal vapes is unknown, posing possible health risks.

“Many of the illegal vapes found on the market are packaged to be particularly appealing to children and are available at ‘pocket money’ prices, as well as often far exceeding the legal nicotine content.”

A Derbyshire Police spokesman said: “Selling illicit vapes, or any vapes illegally, is a very serious offence and the penalties reflect this.

“The illegal vaping market undermines other retailers who are operating and trading within the law.

“The open trading of illicit vapes is a great concern and demonstrates that some retailers’ completely disregard the health and safety of their customers and the local community.”

The maximum possible penalty for selling illegal tobacco or vaping products is an unlimited fine and up to 10 years in prison.

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