?50k worth of ‘illegal tobacco’ and vapes found in Longton shop

Trading standards officials have seized GBP50,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vapes from a city shop – after it failed an under-age sale. Two boys, both 15, had been sent in to the Longton[1] business where they were sold a vape – and even when they admitted how old they were. Following the test-purchase officials went on to unearth thousands of pounds worth of dodgy tobacco and vapes.

Now community leaders say they are ‘deeply concerned’ about the prevalence of such sales in Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke-on-Trent City Council[2] set up the test purchase at the Longton shop, which has not been named, last week. An ‘R&M Tornado 9000 disposable vape’ was purchased by the boys.

READ: ‘Can someone turn the lights off?’ Civic centre beams bright as council GBP8m in red | There are fears cash-strapped Stoke-on-Trent City Council is also limiting the amount of soap in the men’s toilets[3] READ: New-style speed camera on Potteries Way as police target drivers in GBP640k blitz | Staffordshire Police are upgrading the technology in mobile vans and fixed cameras[4] The local authority says they were asked their age and even when revealing they were 15 the sale continued.

The vape is said to be 15 times the legal maximum tank size of 2ml which equates to around 600 puffs. Trading standards officials then searched the premises with GBP50,000 worth of items being seized. Items seized included 11 different brands of cigarettes that were counterfeit – including non-duty paid, non-standardised packaging, and also displaying incorrect health warnings.

GBP50k worth of illegal tobacco and vapes were seized from the business in Longton

Seven different types of branded disposable vape were also seized.

They were ‘oversized’ and had incorrect health warnings marked on the packaging. Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for enforcement, said: “We are deeply concerned about the prevalence of illegal tobacco and vape sales within our community, particularly sales to underage shoppers. The sale and distribution of these products not only violate national laws but also pose significant health risks, especially to our young people who are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of these substances.

A vape was sold to two 15-year-old boys

“We urge all residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities related to the illegal sale of tobacco and vape products to the city council.

Your cooperation is essential in safeguarding the health and well-being of our community.” Anyone with concerns over illegal tobacco or vapes being sold in the Potteries can call 0808 2231133 or call the council’s trading standards hotline on 01782 238884. Want more court and crime news?

Sign up to our court and crime newsletter here[5]

References

1. ^ Longton (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
2. ^ Stoke-on-Trent City Council (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
3. ^ ‘Can someone turn the lights off?’ Civic centre beams bright as council GBP8m in red | There are fears cash-strapped Stoke-on-Trent City Council is also limiting the amount of soap in the men’s toilets (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
4. ^ New-style speed camera on Potteries Way as police target drivers in GBP640k blitz | Staffordshire Police are upgrading the technology in mobile vans and fixed cameras (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
5. ^ Want more court and crime news?

   Sign up to our court and crime newsletter here (data.reachplc.com)