Birmingham City Council seizes millions worth of illegal goods

Jan.23.2025

Birmingham City Council seizes nearly £6 million worth of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products.

According to a report by Birmingham Mail on January 21st, the Birmingham City Council recently seized e-cigarettes, tobacco, and other goods worth nearly £6 million.

Since its launch in September 2024, the city council has seized nearly £5.7 million worth of goods from stores across the city, including 10,374 illegal e-cigarettes, 236 large bottles of nitrous oxide and related materials, 18,916 packs of cigarettes (totaling 378,320 cigarettes), 2,730 packs of tobacco, class B drugs, 187 packs of unlicensed snuff, and thousands of unlicensed pills.

Nicky Brennan, a cabinet member responsible for social justice, community safety, and equality affairs, stated:

There is cause for concern as we have now discovered that e-cigarettes can deliver up to over 18,000 puffs, far exceeding the legal limit of 600 puffs for 2 milligrams of nicotine. The use of illegal e-cigarettes by young people can jeopardize their long-term health, and in recent months we have already seen some alarming consequences. We will continue to work with the West Midlands County police to crack down on illegal sales.

References:

[1] 'Biggest raid in Birmingham' among council's £5.7million crackdown on vapes, cigarettes and drugs

Also Read:

[1] UK Government Issues Guidance on Disposable E-cigarette Ban

[3] UKVIA Expresses Disappointment Over UK Tobacco and E-cigarette Act Hearing

[4] Study Shows E-Cigarette Sales in UK Increased Ninefold in Three Years, Bringing Four Times the Profit to Convenience Stores

[5] 2024 E-Cigarette Flavor Trends and Consumer Behavior Impact

#Europe #Law enforcement #Open system e-cigarettes #United Kingdom

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