'Warehouse quantities' of illegal vapes seized

The shop was said to contain "warehouse quantities" of illegal vapes

An unannounced shop inspection has led to a city's biggest ever single seizure of illegal vapes by council officers.

Liverpool City Council’s public protection team were tipped off about a convenience shop in the London Road area and made the decision to inspect the premises.

The council said "warehouse quantities" of illicit vapes were uncovered, which did not meet legal standards and had "unclear origins".

In total, more than 3,500 vapes were taken from the one shop alone, with a total street value of about £42,000.

'Clear message'

The council said the seizure amounted to three times the previous largest total of illegal vapes seized from one premises, which was about 1,200.

In Liverpool in 2024 about 18,500 illegal vapes, with an estimated total value of over £222,000, have been seized.

The council said research had shown that as illicit vapes were not regulated, many contain banned ingredients and oversized tanks for the nicotine liquid.

Matt Ashton, director of public health at the council, said the seizure sent a "clear message" to other retailers.

He added: “While genuine vaping products continue to provide a viable alternative for those who want to quit smoking, the guidance remains that these should always be sourced from reputable retailers and if you don’t smoke already, don’t start vaping.”