Several stores throughout Darlington have been raided after selling illegal vapes, as police and council officers toughen their stance against the trade.

Around £37,000 worth of illegal stock and tobacco was found at four stores in the town after complaints from the public.

Puff Puff Vape in the Cornmill Centre; Brinkburn Stores, in Brinkburn Road; Food Plus, in North Road and Neasham Road Mini Market, were all caught red-handed by officers during raids on January 13.

More than 2,200 illegal, over-strength vapes were seized, ranging from 2,500 puffs to 10,000. A 3,500-puff vape is approximately equivalent to smoking 280 cigarettes.

It comes after concerned parents have said children as young as 12 have been sold lethal over-strength vapes.  

The Northern Echo: Some of the vapes seized from shops in Darlington Some of the vapes seized from shops in Darlington (Image: Darlington Council)

Shaun Trevor, who led the operation, said: “If you sell illegal vapes, especially to children, then expect a visit from us. It is clear from the bright colours and designs that these products are being aimed at children. The seizure of illegal vapes hits these traders in the pocket.

“We encourage residents to report any concerns about any suspected illegal products. We take complaints seriously and will investigate them all and take action where appropriate. In the North-East of England alone, more than 1.4 tonnes of illegal vapes were seized from shops in the second half of last year.”

Darlington Council’s trading standards officers have teamed up with Durham Constabulary to take part in Operation Automn – a new scheme to stop such sales and catch the organised criminals behind the illegal trade.

Councillor Mike Renton, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “Darlington trading standards in conjunction with officers from Durham Constabulary, will continue to work closely together in order to tackle the sale and supply of illegal vapes and tobacco products in the town, particularly to children.

“We will continue our efforts to monitor and visit stores which sell illegal products, and don’t comply with age restrictions, and will use all available measures including prosecuting those responsible to put a stop to this trade.

“What people don’t realise, when they think they are bagging a bargain on these cheaper vapes or cigarettes, is that they are not only funding organised crime, but they are also hurting honest traders in the town who lose business to illegal sales elsewhere.”

The reasons for vapes being illegal include:

 

  • Retailers selling vapes from brands that have not been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
  • Vapes carrying over the legal 2ml tank size. A vape pen should provide no more than 600-800 puffs.
  • Carrying illegal ingredients. The highest nicotine strength for vapes is two per cent. The nicotine liquid should not contain any additives or ingredients such as caffeine or taurine. 
  • Carrying the wrong health warning. All vape products containing nicotine should have the following health warning 'This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance' covering 30 per cent of the front and back of the packet.
  • Vapes should not be sold to anyone under the age of eighteen.

The Northern Echo: Concerned parents have said children as young as 12 have been sold lethal over-strength vapes. Concerned parents have said children as young as 12 have been sold lethal over-strength vapes. (Image: Darlington Council)

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Inspector Peter Newman, from Durham Constabulary, added: “Illicit and dangerous tobacco can not only cause serious harm to people’s health, but the proceeds are often invested into organised crime and can help fund more serious offences. 

“This joint operation was carried out as a result of intelligence gathered by our officers and would not have been possible without the support of local people who have come forward with valuable pieces of information.  

“If you have information regarding potential criminality in your community, please report it to us.”