Illegal Tobacco and Vaping Products Worth £50,000 Seized in Langdon, UK

Last week, a Stoke-on-Trent City Council team carried out a test purchase operation targeting underage sales at a business premises in Langdon, attempting to buy vaping products.

Two 15-year-old male volunteers purchased an R&M Tornado 9000 disposable vape. Although both volunteers were asked their age and told the seller they were 15, the seller still proceeded with the sale. In addition, the vape sold had an e-liquid tank capacity 15 times the legal maximum of 2ml, equivalent to around 600 puffs.

Following the sale, an inspection of the premises uncovered and seized a large quantity of illegal tobacco products and vaping products worth £50,000.

The seized products included 11 different cigarette brands that were counterfeit, duty-unpaid, non-compliant in packaging, and carried incorrect health warnings. Seven different types of branded disposable vapes were also confiscated, which were oversized and carried incorrect health warnings on the packaging.

Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for City Pride, Enforcement and Sustainability, said: “We are deeply concerned about the prevalence of illegal tobacco and vaping sales in our communities, especially sales to underage buyers. The sale and distribution of these products not only breaches national law, but also poses significant health risks, particularly to our young people, who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of these substances.

“We urge all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products to the City Council. Your cooperation is vital to protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities.”