Large Seizure of Illegal Vaping Devices in St Helens, UK

In St Helens, UK, a large quantity of illegal e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and tobacco products were seized, raising concerns among local authorities about counterfeit goods.

[Two Above News] Recently, a large quantity of illegal e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and tobacco products were seized in St Helens, UK.

In recent years, the popularity of disposable e-cigarettes has been increasing, and many local governments are concerned about counterfeit goods, as these products have been found to contain substances exceeding the legal nicotine content.

As a result, the online e-cigarette website Vape Club submitted a freedom of information request to municipal halls across the UK to understand the number of seizures of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and hand-rolled tobacco products.

Data shows that the St Helens Council's trading standards team seized 4,704 e-cigarettes in 2022, marking the first time the seizure quantity was recorded; St Helens seized 5,418 counterfeit cigarettes last year, a significant increase from 152 in 2021.

Additionally, the trading standards team in the city also seized 528 illegal tobacco products in 2022, nearly ten times the 48 seized in 2021.

The St Helens Council is committed to combating illegal e-cigarettes and counterfeit goods, having recovered products worth over £30,000 from a store last May.

Those found selling illegal tobacco products will have their products seized, face fines of up to £10,000, and may lose their rights to purchase or sell tobacco products.

A statement from the St Helens Council, made by Minister for Economic Inclusion, Business and Skills Kate Green, stated:

“While people have recognized that e-cigarettes are a useful tool for helping adults quit smoking, we are still concerned about local businesses selling illegal products and selling e-cigarettes to minors under 18.”

References: [1] Number of illegal cigarettes and vapes seized in St Helens revealed