Almost half a million pounds worth of illegal vapes seized in Blackburn

Thursday, 21 March 2024 08:06

More than 40,000 illegal vapes with a street value of £420,000 have been seized by the Council’s trading standards officers, supported by police.

The vapes, destined for the shop shelf were found at a wholesaler in the Whitebirk area of Blackburn.

Vapes are illegal if the tank capacity is more than 2ml and the nicotine volume more than 20mg. Industry standard for the number of puffs, though not a legal requirement, is about 600 puffs.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has confirmed that it will always explore all avenues to punish offenders, even using the Proceeds of Crime provisions to claw back money gained illegally.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment, said: ‘’Selling illegal vapes is a serious offence, and offenders can face unlimited fines or up to two years in prison if they don’t comply.

‘’The sale of illegal vapes undermines retailers who are doing their best to comply with the law.’’

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