More than 116,000 illegal vapes and tobacco products worth an estimated £138,000 were seized by Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards team last year, as part of intensified efforts to protect communities and support legitimate retailers.
Officers carried out regular inspections across the county, often working alongside Hampshire Police, and used test purchasing with young volunteers to identify unlawful sales and safeguard responsible businesses.
Kirsty North, cabinet lead for universal services at Hampshire County Council, said dodgy traders continue to exploit rising demand for vapes and tobacco by selling illegal products that can undermine compliant stores and pose potential health risks.
“Dodgy traders continue to exploit rising demand for vapes and tobacco products, selling illegal items that can undermine legitimate businesses and potentially harm health. That’s why we’ve prioritised frontline resources into tackling this issue,” she said. “Our commitment to cracking down on illegal products and disrupting black market supply chains is paying off, preventing potentially dangerous products from reaching the hands of consumers.”
Trading Standards warned that illegal vapes and tobacco frequently contain unknown ingredients and higher-than-permitted nicotine levels, increasing the risks to consumers. The service works closely with the council’s public health team, sharing intelligence on supply routes and locations where illegal products are being sold.
Retailers are being reminded to remain vigilant for signs of counterfeit or non-compliant stock, including poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes, missing health warnings, and absent or incorrect safety markings and manufacturer details.
The council also stressed that traders caught selling to underage customers or stocking illegal products can face investigation and potential criminal prosecution. Adults who purchase vapes or tobacco on behalf of someone under 18 also risk fines.