Illegal vape crackdown sees almost £100k seized as concerns over sale to kids as young as 12 raised

Aug 22, 2023

So far, 4,802 illegal vapes have been removed from sale, ranging from 2,500 puffs to 10,000 puffs

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Almost £100,000 worth of illegal vapes and cigarettes were seized after complaints about the sales of vapes to children as young as 12-years-old in Darlington.

The joint operation by trading standards and Durham Constabulary saw several days of action in a bid to tackle illegal over-strength vapes and illegal cigarettes. So far, 4,802 illegal vapes have been removed from sale, ranging from 2,500 puffs to 10,000 - a 3,500 puff vape is approximately equivalent to smoking 280 cigarettes.

The crackdown has also seen 112,540 illegal cigarettes and 36.75kg of hand-rolling tobacco seized. The days of action were sparked after concerns were raised by members of the public - with the force continuing to ask communities to report criminality to it.

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Following the previous day of action, seizures of illegal vapes have been made in Darlington from Neasham Road Mini Market, Magic Vape on Tubwell Row, Cloud Collaborative on King Street, Darlo Phone Repair on Skinnergate, and Dima Mini Market on North Road.

Suspected counterfeit or illicit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco have also been seized from Neasham Road Mini Market and associated addresses including Dima Mini Market on North Road, Easy Shop on Victoria Road, and S V Mini Market on Gladstone Street.

Shaun Trevor, who led the operation on behalf of trading standards, said: "If you sell illegal vapes or cigarettes, especially to children, then expect a visit from us.

"We would encourage residents to report any concerns about any suspected illegal products. We take complaints seriously and will investigate them all and take action where appropriate. We have further action planned in order to stem the flow of these illegal products in Darlington."

Councillor Mike Renton, the council's cabinet member for stronger communities, added: "This trade in illegal goods not only harms our communities but also businesses who are complying with the law and finding that they can't compete with nearby stores selling illegal goods at pocket money prices.

"We will continue our efforts to monitor and visit stores which sell illegal products and don't comply with age restrictions, and will use all available measures including prosecuting those responsible to put a stop to this trade."

Inspector Peter Newman, from Durham Constabulary, said: "Illicit and dangerous tobacco can not only cause serious harm to people's health, but the proceeds are often invested into organised crime and can help fund more serious offences. If you have information regarding potential criminality in your community, please report it to us."

If you have any information that can assist trading standards email [email protected] or report it using the online form (this can be done anonymously) here.