Thousands of illegal vapes seized by local authority in trading standards crackdown

Photo: Greater Manchester Police

Illegal vapes seized by trading standards and police

Thousands of illegal vapes have been seized across the Rochdale borough in the last two years, data has revealed.

Since the beginning of January 2023, a total of 44,874 illegal vapes have been confiscated by the local authority. A Freedom of Information request revealed that 25,741 of those were seized by the council last year as well as another 19,133 between 1 January and 22 October 2024.

Illegal vapes are the types of e-cigarettes that have not been given the proper safety checks before being sold and can contain high amounts of nicotine and other dangerous substances. 

Rochdale Borough Council has carried out a number of operations to crack down on the trading of these items. Their trading standards team carry out test purchases and visits following complaints made to them by locals.

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change and environment for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We know that many of the illegal vapes that come into the UK have not had any safety checks, some have even been found to contain too much lead and nickel.

"We also know that they contain high amounts of nicotine which is extremely addictive.

“The council’s trading standards team carry out test purchasing surveys and reactive visits following the receipt of complaints and intelligence but also proactive visits to check compliance.

“Traders found with illegal vapes will always have their stock seized and, depending on the circumstances, will be issued with a written warning or caution or will face prosecution.

"Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for the sale of an illegal vape is two years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both. We would also consider closure orders for repeat offenders.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter