Around 12,000 illegal vapes have been seized across the streets of Bolton over the last six months, officials say.
This comes amid an ongoing crackdown by trading standards officers across the borough, with a number of raids having taken place in Bolton.
Bolton Council officers say that the vapes have been found hidden in all kinds of places, with just under 3,000 seized from one premises alone.
Businesses raided include convenience stores, off-licences, mobile phone shops and petrol stations. Council cabinet member for regulatory services Cllr Sue Haworth said: “Illegal vapes are unregulated and often contain illegal ingredients which can damage the health of adults and children.
“We continue to look at enforcement options like closure orders that will deliver a long-term solution to combating the problem.
“Since May 2023, we have formally issued three cautions to illegal traders and have sent fifty warning letters for non-compliant vapes and illicit tobacco.
“Tackling the sale of illegal vapes continues to be a priority for this council.”
The illegal vapes have been found in a variety of places, with some displayed openly at the point of sale and others hidden in locked storerooms.
Council officials say vapes are typically bought for around £6 per device, and sold for between £10-£13 each, this puts the total retail value at more than £30,000.
The sale and use of vapes, legal or otherwise, has been a cause of deep concern around Bolton in recent months and years.
Schools have had pupils taken ill having used vapes.
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Headteachers have said that the use of vapes was a “really worrying trend in our young people.”
But over the last few months, a dedicated team of Bolton Council trading standards officers have been working to investigate illegal vape sales around the borough.
They say that the premises they raided over the last six months are now being further investigated and may be subject to prosecution and possible closure orders.
All vapes seized have now been sent for recycling.
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