Concerns raised over rise of illegal vapes in Somerset following major seizures
June 29, 2024
A multi-agency operation has resulted in the seizure of more than 1,000 illegal disposable vapes from two shops in Keynsham (Photo: Bath & North East Somerset Council)
Bath & North East Somerset Council has urged residents to report any concerns about businesses selling illegal vapes in the area to the trading standards team or to Citizens Advice.
The council has been tackling the sale of illegal vapes for several months after residents raised concerns, with illegal vapes having been found and seized at eight premises in the last few months.
Earlier this month a multi-agency operation led by the council’s trading standards team resulted in the seizure of more than 1,000 illegal disposable vapes from two shops in Keynsham. The operation was supported by Avon & Somerset Police, HMRC, Trading Standards South West and a dog handler with dogs trained to detect tobacco and vape.
The seizures were part of Operation Joseph, a national trading standards initiative to tackle the supply and sale of illegal vapes and e-cigarettes.
Illegal tobacco was also found and seized at the premises in Keynsham, which were raided following reports to the council that age restricted products including vapes were being supplied to children and that illegal tobacco was being traded from the premises.
“Illegal and oversized vapes are becoming an increasing problem and the trading standards team has been carrying out regular checks on products for sale,” the council said in a statement.
Retailers are reminded that single use vapes must be registered with the MHRA, contain no more than 2 ml of nicotine containing liquid at a strength of no more than 2 mg/ml. Additionally, illegal vapes are not likely to have undergone any safety assessments to ensure they are safe for consumers to use.
