17/05/2023 - Warrant executed with thousands of illegal vapes seized

The warrant followed intelligence received about illicit tobacco and illegal disposable vape pens being stored and sold from a premises in the area.

Whilst illicit tobacco was not discovered at the premises on this occasion, approximately 2,500 illegal disposable vape pens were seized, with an estimated value of £17,500. The premises was also found to be decanting shisha tobacco into unlabelled plastic pots for retail sale and supply, which is not permitted.

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 under 18.

These products are more dangerous than regulated vaping devices and tobacco. 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). Vape pens contain high amounts of nicotine, and are only permitted for those over 18 years old.

 

Legal disposable vape pens have a maximum of 600 puffs, containing 2ml of liquid and 2% nicotine, equivalent to approximately 10 packs of cigarettes. All disposable vape pens that exceed 600 puffs (2ml liquid and 2% nicotine content) are illegal. They also contain chemicals that are banned in this country and are harmful to health.

 

Furthermore, illicit cigarettes do not extinguish in the same way as regulated products, increasing the risk of house fires.

 

Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, 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. The sale of illicit vape pens and tobacco evades tax and is unfair to honest traders.  

 

“They also put people’s health at risk, which is particularly concerning when the traders sell to children. It is important that parents and carers engage with their children to ensure that they are not being sold nicotine-containing vape pens when under 18 years of age.

 

Landlords whose tenants are engaged in the sale of illicit tobacco, shisha and vape pens will be advised and investigated in relation to proceeds of crime where sales continue. Businesses can also face closure.

 

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

If you see advertising that you feel is trying to encourage children and young people to vape, you can report it to the Advertising Standards Authority: asa.org.uk.