Illicit Vapes and Tobacco Valued at Over £75,000 Confiscated

A police force has reported the confiscation of illegal tobacco and vaping products valued at over £75,000. Northamptonshire Police conducted inspections at five premises in Wellingborough, leading to the discovery of illicit goods in four of these locations. From these shops, a total of 11,480 cigarettes, 2.3 kilograms of tobacco, and 998 vaping devices were confiscated, with their combined worth estimated at £77,260. Sgt Nic Nawaz, a member of the neighbourhood policing team, stated: “People may see the sale of illicit tobacco as a low-level crime but the truth is, not only can it be very dangerous for people’s health, it can also be a sign of more sinister serious and organised crime.” A BBC investigation previously indicated that the volume of illegal vapes intercepted at the UK border increased fourfold last year, as UK authorities contended with unauthorized imports amidst a rise in vaping among young people. Over the past 12 months, more than 4.5 million vapes, with a combined weight approaching ten tonnes, were confiscated, representing a fourfold increase compared to 2022. In the UK, disposable e-cigarettes are subject to stringent regulations regarding their nicotine content. Subsequent to these inspections, which occurred on November 12, Mr Naraz affirmed that his team would not “tolerate” any form of criminal activity within “our town.” Police confirmed that additional inquiries into the implicated stores are currently in progress. Information regarding Northamptonshire news is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information on its external linking policy.