Norfolk Trading Standards makes tackling illegal vapes a priority

Norfolk Trading Standards has seized 14,961 illegal vapes in a nine-month period

Tackling illegal vapes would continue to be a priority after nearly 15,000 were seized in nine months, a council said.

Norfolk County Council revealed its Trading Standards team had seen an increase in age-restricted products being sold to children.

It said "criminal organisations" in Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn were controlling an illegal vape supply.

The council said action was a priority in its Trading Standards Service Plan.

It followed 14,961 illicit vapes being seized across the county between April and December 2023, with operations in Thetford, Gorleston and Dereham being highlighted by the council.

The Green Shop, in Dereham, was ordered to close in December after police feared it may have sold illegal vapes to children as young as 11.

The Green Shop, in Dereham, was also selling strong alcohol without the licence to do so, police said

"Following multiple seizures of illegal vapes and complaints of underage sales of disposable vapes at two businesses in Norfolk, closure orders were issued by court," council papers read.

"During 2024-25, it will remain a priority to gather and then act upon any intelligence received."

• Shop 'selling children vapes' ordered to close

• Illegal vape had '500 cigarettes-worth of nicotine'

• High lead and nickel levels found in illegal vapes

Trading Standards said on Monday it would continue to test businesses' underage sales policies, including the use of underage volunteers to purchase goods in conjunction with Norfolk Police.

It warned enforcement action, such as closure orders, would be imposed to those flouting the rules.