Illicit vapes seized from Northampton stores

A joint operation between Northamptonshire Police and West Northamptonshire Trading Standards saw more than £9000 worth of illicit vapes seized in Northampton last week.

On Thursday, November 23, the teams visited two stores in Wellingborough Road and Abington Square, seizing £4650 worth of illicit vapes from one and £4570 worth from the other.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Aaron Dilley said: “Whilst licensed, regulated vapes can be a useful tool to help adults quit smoking, the illicit vape trade is exceptionally dangerous - often containing harmful, psychoactive substances that can have serious health issues.

“These vapes often make their way into the hands of young people who have no idea how dangerous they really are.”

Last week’s operation follows one in Kettering at the beginning of the month which saw three stores visited and £80,000 worth of illicit tobacco, cigarettes and vapes found and seized.

Sgt Dilley added: “Protecting people from harm is one of the core roles of the police and this comes in many forms.

“By taking these items off our streets, we are not only safeguarding people from consuming dangerous substances, but also disrupting serious and organised crime, which is often associated with these types of seizures.

“I’d like to thank our partners at Trading Standards and know there are many operations of a similar nature to come.”

Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services at WNC, said: “We are committed to working collaboratively with Northamptonshire Police to prevent illegal vapes and cigarettes from being sold to young people and residents across the area illegally. Our trading standards team are working proactively with the police to tackle this head on, and I am pleased that together we’ve prevented £9000 worth of illegal vapes being sold to our residents.”