Illegal vapes worth £2.7m found in Northampton warehouse

Trading standards officers found a consignment of illegal vapes at a warehouse in Northampton

Illegal vapes worth more than £2.7m have been seized by trading standards at a warehouse.

Northampton Magistrates' Court was told some of the products contained 10 times the amount of liquid allowed by law.

A judge has ordered the vapes, which were found at an address in the town, to be destroyed.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) said it was determined to safeguard people from the dangers of the illegal vape trade.

The authority sent officers to the warehouse after trading standards in Essex warned a consignment of vapes had been shipped there.

Tobacco laws limit the capacity of e-cigarette tanks to 2ml but the court heard some of those seized contained up to 20ml of liquid.

The judge made a forfeiture and destruction order after hearing the goods had no owner in the UK and were imported to be sold on to sales and distribution agents.

David Smith, WNC's cabinet member for community safety, said: "Tackling the sale of illegal vapes is a priority for the council and I am pleased to hear of the outcome from the court proceedings.

"I am delighted that we have prevented the sale of these illegal, unsafe vapes - we remain committed to safeguarding our residents from the dangers of the illegal vape trade."

The council is due to hold a summit in February to explore the issue of illegal vapes.