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Thousands of suspected illegal vapes and tobacco products seized after joint action in Thetford




Thousands of suspected illegal vapes and tobacco products have been seized after a joint operation in Thetford.

Yesterday, Norfolk Trading Standards and Breckland Police performed raids on four businesses in the town.

With the help of Trading Standards’ canine companion, they were able to track down the hidden products.

Thousands of illegal vapes were removed from four stores in Thetford. Picture: Breckland Police
Thousands of illegal vapes were removed from four stores in Thetford. Picture: Breckland Police

In response, Norfolk County Council issued a warning that an illegal vape is anything that exceeds 2ml in capacity, while refill containers must not exceed 10ml and their strength should not be any more than two per cent.

Bottles should be childproof and have nicotine warnings plus a safety leaflet.

They should also not be sold to anyone under 18.

The council added: “When used properly, vapes and e-cigarettes can be a successful way of helping people to stop smoking. But criminals are capitalising on this, leading to a rise in illegal vapes, which can contain high levels of nicotine, contaminants, or banned ingredients such as taurine or caffeine.

“Both locally and nationally we are seeing a rise in potentially unsafe and non-compliant vape products.”

A spokesman for Breckland Police said: “Trading Standards will lead the investigation but we are always happy to support their work as so many people in the community tell us they are concerned about the impact of illegal vapes, especially on young people.”

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