Illegal Vapes and Tobacco Seized in Joint Southampton Enforcement Operation

Officers from the Bevois Neighbourhood Policing Team have worked alongside Trading Standards to carry out a series of joint visits to businesses across Southampton.

The operation focused on identifying products that breach regulations surrounding the sale of tobacco, vapes, and nicotine items. Trading Standards officers were particularly looking for goods that should only be sold duty-free, as well as products that were incorrectly labelled or being sold without the appropriate licence.

During the visits, officers seized a number of disposable vapes and tobacco products found to be in breach of the rules. Some of the items did not meet legal labelling requirements, while others were being sold by businesses not licensed to sell tobacco.

Police say the visits are an important part of protecting public safety and ensuring a fair trading environment, helping to prevent illegal sales and ensure that businesses pay the correct amount of tax.

Members of the public who have concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco or vaping products are encouraged to report them via the police website or directly to Trading Standards.