3,000 illegal vapes seized in 12 months

OVER 3,000 illegal vapes have been seized across Stockton in 12 months.

The “illegal and potentially dangerous” vapes were taken off the streets in the last year following a crackdown by the Stockton Council Trading Standards team. Many of the illicit e-cigarettes appeared to target children, featuring various cartoon characters and bubblegum, icy cola, and double apple flavours.

None of the disposable products seized in Stockton have been authorised by t he Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Many also contained either e-liquid in excess of the legal 2ml tank size (roughly the equivalent of 600 puffs) or had incorrect markings and warnings.

Selling e-cigarettes or vapes to children under the age of 18 is illegal in the UK, and every vaping product sold containing nicotine must be registered by the MHRA.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, the council’s cabinet member for access, communities and community safety, said: “Worryingly vaping is on the rise, especially among teenagers and even younger school children – but vapes are potentially harmful to health and may be addictive.

“The staggering number of illegal products seized by our Trading Standards team show the market is now flooded by unsafe, disposable vapes.

“What is even more shocking is that many are clearly designed to be attractive to children.

“We will not tolerate these unregulated e-cigarettes being sold in the borough and will continue to clamp down on any traders selling them.

“We would also urge all parents to be vigilant, and if they come across any of these products please contact our Trading Standards team, call 01642 526560 or email trading. standards@stockton.gov.uk.”