Illegal vapes seized from Lancashire shops

More than 400 illegal vapes have been seized after a shop was caught selling one to an underage girl.

A test purchasing operation was recently conducted in Fleetwood by Wyre Police’s licensing team and Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards service.

Out of five stores that were tested for alcohol sales, one sold alcohol to an underage female and was issued with a penalty notice for disorder.

One shop sold an illegal vape to the female, which resulted in 425 non-compliant vapes being seized.

Inspector Martin Wyatt, of Fleetwood Police, said, “Selling alcohol and vapes to children is not only against the law but can put them at risk and lead to issues of anti-social behaviour.

“We have unfortunately seen cases where people have become very unwell, sometimes even hospitalised, due to the use of illegal vapes. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure they do not get into the hands of the public.

Angela Lomax, a Trading Standards manager at Lancashire County Council, said, “Our team joined forces with the police on a shared test operation in Fleetwood, which resulted in more than 400 non-compliant vapes being seized.

“Preventing the sale of illicit goods keeps our residents, including teenagers and children, safe from underage sales and protects their health, which is very important to us.”