Half a million pounds worth of illegal vapes seized from Blackburn wholesaler
March 23, 2024
Councillor Jim Smith with the seized vapes (Photo: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council)
Over 40,000 illegal vapes with a street value of £420,000 have been seized by trading standards officers, supported by police, in Blackburn.
The vapes, destined for the shop shelf were found at a wholesaler in the Whitebirk area of Blackburn in November last year.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has on Wednesday confirmed that it will always explore all avenues to punish offenders, even using the Proceeds of Crime provisions to claw back money gained illegally.
“Selling illegal vapes is a serious offence, and offenders can face unlimited fines or up to two years in prison if they don’t comply. The sale of illegal vapes undermines retailers who are doing their best to comply with the law,” Cllr Jim Smith, executive member for environment at the council, said.
