Liverpool council makes largest illegal vapes seizure from single shop

Liverpool City Council’s Public Protection team has made its largest seizure of illicit vapes in a single premises to date.

The shop, located in the London Road area of Liverpool city centre, was visited based on intelligence received by the council’s Public Protection team. Officers from the local policing team were also in attendance.

During the inspection, warehouse quantities of illicit vapes were uncovered – in total, over 3,500 vapes were taken from this one shop alone, with a total street value of £42,000.

This is three times the previous largest total seized from one premises, which was 1,200, and takes seizures in 2024 to 18,500 illegal vapes with an estimated total value of over £222,000.

“This work sends a clear message to other retailers in our city who are trading in illegal products,” Matt Ashton, director of public health at Liverpool City Council, said.

“While genuine vaping products continue to provide a viable alternative for those who want to quit smoking, the guidance remains that these should always be sourced from reputable retailers and if you don’t smoke already, don’t start vaping.”