Crackdown on illegal vapes and Tobacco continues on eve of Tobacco and Vapes Bill

These seizures were made in a multi-agency operation led by Trading Standards in conjunction with Cambridgeshire Police, HMRC and Wagtail tobacco dogs, Fenland District Council officers and Immigration. The operation follows the receipt of intelligence from members of the public.

Since January, these joint operations have led to the seizure of over 8,500 illegal vapes and almost 26,000 illicit cigarettes across Cambridgeshire, with Trading Standards sending over three quarters of a tonne of seized illegal vapes to a dedicated recycling facility in July.

Issues include vapes with tank sizes that are illegal in the UK due to the quantities of liquid they contain, and vapes that wrongly state they contain no nicotine.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to help prevent vapes from appealing to children by restricting flavours, packaging and the display of these products. It will introduce a progressive smoking ban that will gradually end the sale of tobacco products, meaning children born after 1 January 2009 will never legally be able to buy cigarettes. It will also ban proxy purchasing and strengthen the enforcement powers of Trading Standards.

Peter Gell, Service Director Regulatory Services said: "These ongoing, targeted enforcement operations send a clear message to the shops that supply these products, and the organised crime gangs behind these crimes, that the sale of illegal vapes won't be tolerated in Cambridgeshire. We are committed to taking a hard line with anyone we uncover perpetrating these crimes.  

"The level of Intelligence we receive from the public and local law-abiding businesses is also indicative of local feeling towards these crimes. They don't want these crimes being committed in their local communities, and we will continue to tackle it on their behalf."

PC Paul Hawkins, Licencing Officer for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: "Illicit cigarettes, vapes and tobacco pose a serious risk to health, as well as an enabler to fund other related criminal activity.

"We are happy to support our colleagues from Trading Standards, HMRC and Fenland District Council with this operation and encourage the public to continue to report any information or concerns to us."

Anyone wishing to share intelligence or suspicions about criminal activity like this can report it online, anonymously at: www.keep-it-out.co.uk. 

Alternatively, Trading Standard's advice partner, the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, can be contacted on 0808 223 1133 Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

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November 2024