Illegal vapes with street value of £420k seized

Councillor Jim Smith warned offenders could face unlimited fines

More than 40,000 illegal vapes with a street value of £420,000 have been seized.

Blackburn with Darwen's trading standards officers were given support by Lancashire Police in an "intelligence-led" operation.

The vapes, destined for the shop shelf, were found at a wholesaler in the Whitebirk area of Blackburn in November.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said selling illegal vapes was a "serious offence" and it would explore "all avenues" to punish offenders.

Vapes are illegal if the tank capacity is more than 2ml and the nicotine volume is more than 20mg.

Councillor Jim Smith, executive member for environment, warned offenders could face unlimited fines or up to two years in prison.

"The sale of illegal vapes undermines retailers who are doing their best to comply with the law," he added.