Three premises in Brimsdown and Carterhatch wards were raided following reports age-restricted products were being supplied to children

Bags of disposable vapes seized by Enfield Council’s trading standards team

Enfield Council’s trading standards team has raided three premises in the borough – and seized 521 illegal disposable vapes.

The seizures were part of Operation Joseph, a National Trading Standards initiative, to tackle the supply and sale of illegal vapes and e-cigarettes.

The raids took place on 11th and 18th January in Brimsdown and Carterhatch wards.

The three premises were raided following reports to the council that age restricted products, including vapes, were being supplied to children.

The oversized vaping products found on display at the premises offered up to 14ml capacity, with an estimated 9,000 puffs, which is seven times above the legal limit.

The illegal vapes, worth £6,252, will be destroyed.

Both locally and nationally, there has been an increase in the sale of disposable vapes to young people. Government statistics show that 69% of current vapers aged eleven to 17 in Britain are using disposable vapes (up from 7.7% in 2021).

The long-term impact of nicotine vapes on young people’s health is not yet known, but the impact of young people developing nicotine addictions alongside the dangers of using unregulated vapes are clear; campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that the proportion of children experimenting with vaping had grown by 50% year on year.

Residents who see products for sale they think might be illegal or counterfeit are advised to email Citizens Advice who will refer the matter to trading standards:
Visit citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/

For more information on Enfield Council’s trading standards service
Visit enfield.gov.uk/services/business-and-licensing/trading-standards

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