Hundreds of illicit vapes and cigarettes seized

Police say they recovered 14 evidence sacks full of vapes and cigarettes from the shop

Hundreds of suspected illicit vapes and cigarettes have been seized after a police officer stopped a shop worker selling an e-cigarette to a child.

Lincolnshire Police said the officer had been investigating an unrelated incident when they witnessed the potential sale at Fresh Fruit and Grocery Mini Market, in Southgate, Sleaford.

After the officer intervened in the sale he discovered the vapes appeared to contain more than the legal limit of liquid, the force said.

During a search of the premises on 20 December, police said 14 sacks full of vapes and cigarettes were recovered from the shop.

The case has been passed to Lincolnshire Trading Standards to investigate

A police spokesperson said disposable vapes should contain "around 600 puffs", but those confiscated contained "between 4,000 and 10,000".

The force said it was also possible the seized vapes may have lacked safety features, had higher nicotine concentration levels or contain banned ingredients.

The case has now been passed to Lincolnshire Trading Standards to investigate, police said.

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