02/06/2023 - Seizure of illegal vapes from Luton store

Usman Faruk aged 21, Director of Cloud No. 9 Limited and his brother Ishaq Faruk aged 20, both of Oakley Road, Luton appeared at Luton Magistrates on the 24^th May 2023. Usman Faruk had previously pleaded guilty to being in possession of 843 non-compliant nicotine inhaling devices (vape pens) when Officers from Trading Standards visited his premises in George Street, Luton in March 2022. The non-compliant vape pens were seized and taken from the premises.

Ishaq Faruk had previously pleaded guilty to selling vape pens to children in July 2022 and obstructing a Trading Standards Officer by providing him with false details.

Financial penalties were imposed by District Judge Dodd on the company and both of the Faruk brothers. The company was sentenced to pay a total of £4145, comprising of £2450 in fines, a victim surcharge of £980 and costs of £715. Penalties totalling £1765 were imposed on Usman Faruk, whilst Ishaq Faruk was sentenced to pay £4145.

Luton Trading Standards have launched a campaign to investigate and prosecute those who sell illegal vape pens and tobacco in Luton, seizing over 11,000 so far. Luton Trading Standards and the police advise that illicit vape pens and tobacco are often being sold to school children and persons who are under 18, which is also illegal.

Illegal vaping devices are more dangerous than their regulated counterparts as contain chemicals that are banned in this country and are harmful to health. All disposable vape pens that exceed 600 puffs, containing 2ml of liquid and 2% nicotine content, are illegal. Vaping devices are regulated by the government to control the amount of nicotine available and have to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

 

Cllr Maria Lovell, portfolio holder for Women, Equalities and Community Safety said ‘’The sale of illicit tobacco, vape pens and shisha is often linked to wider organised criminal activity, so we have good reason to be vigilant. It is also putting people’s health at risk, which is particularly concerning when under 18s are being sold to by traders.”

 

“Luton Trading Standards are continuing to clamp down on the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco. Their interventions have resulted in Luton landlords terminating the lease on at 6 premises, 3 for non-duty paid and counterfeit cigarettes, and they are in the process of undertaking 2 more. Other businesses are on final warnings before their leases are terminated.’’

 

Anyone with information on premises and individuals selling and storing illicit tobacco, shisha and vape pens in Luton either from a shop, online or from a domestic premises or vehicle can report in confidence here https://keep-it-out.co.uk/.