More than six million illegal vaping products have been seized by Trading Standards officers across England in the past three years, new analysis by the BBC has found. We joined one of the teams responsible for tracking down the illicit goods as they prepare for a ban on the sale of single-use disposable vapes. Paul Leighton is packing his rucksack with a heavy-duty hammer, pry bar and evidence bags for what he describes as "just an average day out". As the senior Trading Standards officer at Newcastle City Council, he has learned the hiding places used to conceal illegal vapes can be sophisticated. Sometimes, he has to force his way in. He has found them hidden everywhere from inside fridges and barbecues to behind fake fuse boxes and tiled panels complete with hydraulic lifts. "I've seen entire kitchens come away from walls and off the floor as well… so all sorts of hiding places," he says. Classified as illicit or non-compliant vapes, the products he will be searching for today fail to meet the legal requirements for sale in the UK. More than six million of them were seized in England between 2022 and 2024, according to analysis by the BBC. The health risks posed to unwitting customers are summed up by Connor Lamb, a senior technician for licensing also taking part in the unannounced checks on shops. If you get a normal vape, he says, "they've got a capacity which is enough for 600 puffs - the equivalent to 20 cigarettes". But if you get an illegal one, "it can be anything from 200 cigarettes in one vape. Obviously someone buying this to go on a night out or a kid might just be chuffing on it all day and you can imagine the drastic effect that'll have on someone's lungs." According to Trading Standards,illicit or non-compliant vapescan be anything with tank sizes greater than 2ml, a nicotine strength of more than 20ml or labels that do not display manufacturer details and health warnings. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency strongly advises consumers not to use them as the true content - and any possible health risk - is unknown. On the road, Paul and Connor quickly find a stash of between 12 and 20 packs of illegal vapes at the back of a shop counter. "It would be unusual to have so few in a shop that sells quite frequently like this, so it's just a case of where they're hiding the rest," says Paul. We head to a room at the back of the shop. There is a stench of urine. It is full of litter and we are deep in seemingly empty cardboard boxes. Paul's hunch is proven right though as a search among the rubbish unearths a box of illegal vapes. Of 136 local Trading Standards bodies in England, 133 responded to BBC Freedom of Information requests, showing that between 2022 and 2024: Selling illegal vapes was a factor in at least 316 shop closures during that period, while selling to children was a factor in at least 67. Most of the closures were temporary and some retailers may have been shut down more than once. TheIndependent British Vape Trade Association(IBVTA) insists the majority of vape shops operate within the law, serving adults who would otherwise be smoking. A spokesperson said: "These business owners would never knowingly involve themselves in criminal activity. Rather, it is since the resurgence of popularity of single-use vapes, and therefore a popular 'cash market', that we've seen organised crime gangs get involved in importing and distributing vapes." They said IBVTA had long called for greater enforcement action at borders to stem the flow of illegal products entering the country. TheDepartment of Health and Social Caresaid it was allocating an extra £10m this financial year for Trading Standards to tackle underage and illicit sales, with an expected 80 additional apprentice enforcement officers to be funded. Paul and Connor agree single-use vapes are among the main driving forces of the illegal trade and hope the coming ban will improve the situation. "These are quite sophisticated networks that we're up against who are also involved in lots of quite serious activities as well as modern day slavery, trafficking, drug supply," says Paul. "I think we'll see a lot less product taken off the street because we haven't really had a massive issue with reusable vapes for quite some time. "They've always been broadly compliant in terms of the devices that are being used, the batteries, the liquids, the odd oversized tank here." From 1 June, it will be illegal for businesses in the UK tosell, supply or possess single-use vapes for sale. Those caught doing so will get a £200 on-the-spot fine in the first instance, rising to an unlimited fine and/or a prison sentence of up to two years for repeat offences. The government has said Trading Standards will be able to keep the full value of the on-the-spot fines, to reinvest into enforcement. Extra enforcement powers and funding are something IBVTA says it welcomes, noting "not all Trading Standards teams are equally or adequately resourced" and "some areas with low regulatory compliance are unable to carry out the enforcement they would want to". But a national spokesperson for Trading Standards said its work was "definitely having an impact". Government funding had enabled "extra boots on the ground" at Heathrow Airport and Dover Port, the spokesperson said, which explained the high number of seizures by the local authorities home to those border points – Hillingdon and Kent. In Hillingdon alone, 2,099,248 vaping products were seized between 2022-2024, making up a third of the total. They said Salford was home to a number of vape warehouses supplying products across England, meaning "seizing at this stage in the supply chain is really effective". However, they said there was still a "huge challenge in terms of retailers prepared to sell illegal products as well as those who persistently sell to children". Back in Newcastle, Paul offers a similar assessment of the task faced nationally. He estimates the number of illegal vapes still circulating in the country is "easily in the millions at the moment", adding: "It's a constant battle trying to make a difference." Additional reporting by Jonathan Fagg and Miguel Roca-Terry
Millions of vapes seized in illegal trade crackdown
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trading Standards Officers Seize Over Six Million Illegal Vapes in England"
Bbc News
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
In a significant crackdown on illegal vaping products, Trading Standards officers in England have seized more than six million illicit vapes over the past three years, according to a recent analysis by the BBC. The ongoing efforts are part of preparations for a forthcoming ban on single-use disposable vapes. Paul Leighton, a senior Trading Standards officer at Newcastle City Council, highlights the complexities involved in tracking down these illegal goods, which can be cleverly concealed in various locations, including fridges, barbecues, and even behind fake walls. The seized products, classified as non-compliant, often exceed legal limits regarding tank sizes and nicotine strength, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers. Senior technician Connor Lamb emphasizes the dangers of these products, noting that illegal vapes can deliver nicotine equivalent to hundreds of cigarettes, significantly increasing health risks, especially for younger users who may not realize the potential harm involved.
The illegal trade of vaping products has resulted in at least 316 shop closures in England from 2022 to 2024, with some retailers facing multiple shutdowns. The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) asserts that most vape shops operate legally, primarily serving adult smokers. However, they acknowledge that the rise of single-use vapes has attracted organized crime, complicating enforcement efforts. In response to the growing concern over underage and illicit sales, the Department of Health and Social Care is allocating an additional £10 million for Trading Standards, with plans to fund extra enforcement officers. The new regulations, effective from June 1, will impose strict penalties on businesses found selling single-use vapes, including on-the-spot fines and potential prison sentences for repeat offenders. Despite the challenges, Paul Leighton remains optimistic that the upcoming ban will help reduce the prevalence of illegal vaping products, as he estimates that millions are still circulating across the country, underscoring the ongoing battle against this illicit trade.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report reveals significant concerns regarding illegal vaping products in England, emphasizing the health risks associated with these unregulated items. The extensive seizures underscore the scale of the problem and the efforts being made by authorities to combat it.
Public Perception and Concerns
By highlighting the dangers of illegal vapes, the article aims to raise public awareness about the potential health risks associated with these products. The emphasis on the sophisticated methods used to hide these items may provoke fear and concern among the public regarding the safety of products they may be using or purchasing. This could lead to greater support for regulations aimed at controlling vaping products.
Hidden Agendas
While the article focuses on the crackdown on illegal vapes, it may also serve to distract from other pressing issues within public health or regulatory frameworks. By concentrating attention on the illicit trade, authorities may be seeking to deflect criticism regarding the effectiveness of existing regulations or to justify future restrictions on tobacco and vaping products.
Manipulative Elements
The language used in the article is designed to evoke a sense of urgency and concern. Phrases that describe the potential consequences of using illegal vapes may be perceived as manipulative, as they could exaggerate the risks without providing a balanced view of the overall vaping landscape. The emphasis on the extreme health effects—such as comparing the nicotine content to the equivalent of 200 cigarettes—could be seen as a tactic to instill fear.
Comparative Analysis with Other Reports
This report can be connected to broader narratives surrounding public health and safety. It aligns with similar articles focusing on the dangers of vaping, particularly among youth, and the need for regulatory oversight. Such connections may suggest a coordinated effort to shape public discourse around vaping and its regulation.
Impact on Society and Economy
The crackdown on illegal vapes could lead to an increase in legal sales as consumers may seek safer alternatives. However, it may also have economic implications for businesses involved in the vaping industry, particularly small retailers who may struggle to comply with new regulations. Politically, this could affect party positions on health policies, particularly as public sentiment shifts toward stricter controls on tobacco products.
Community Support
The narrative presented in the article likely resonates with health-conscious communities and parents concerned about youth vaping. It aims to rally support from these groups for stricter regulations and enforcement against illegal products.
Market Implications
On a financial level, this report may influence stock prices of companies involved in vaping or tobacco, particularly those that prioritize compliance with regulations. Investors may react to the perceived risk associated with non-compliant products and the shifting regulatory landscape.
Global Context
While the report is primarily focused on England, it reflects a broader global trend of increasing scrutiny and regulation of vaping products. This aligns with ongoing discussions in various countries about public health and the dangers of unregulated substances.
Potential Use of AI in Reporting
The article may have been influenced by AI tools that help identify trends in public health or regulatory compliance. AI could contribute to the narrative by providing data on the prevalence of illegal vapes or analyzing public sentiment. If AI was involved, it may have shaped the emphasis on health risks and the need for regulatory action.
In conclusion, the reliability of this report is bolstered by its basis in factual data regarding the seizure of illegal vapes. However, the potential for manipulative messaging and the influence of broader narratives on public perception should be considered critically. The combination of factual information and emotive language suggests a strategic aim to galvanize public support for stricter regulations.