Derby City Council Shuts Down Illegal E-Cigarette Shops

According to an article in the Derby Telegraph on October 4th, the Derby City Council has shut down five shops and seized illegal e-cigarettes worth nearly £500,000. They are now planning to employ sniffer dogs to aid in the search for more similar products.

According to reports, the seized e-cigarettes primarily originated from shops in the city center and a vehicle found in Nottingham belonging to Derby. The total value of the confiscated items is £491,333. Out of this, 32,000 illegal e-cigarettes were found in the vehicle, with a value of £432,000. Additionally, 4,395 illegal e-cigarettes were seized from a shop in Derby, worth £59,333. As of now, 5 shops have been closed down, with one being ordered to shut through a "mandatory closure order" issued by a judge. In total, items have been confiscated from 34 shops.

According to a new report by the city council, investigations into three stores suspected of distributing illegal e-cigarette products are still ongoing, with three warning letters already issued. The authorities have carried out six search warrants and seized three "non-compliant/fake" e-cigarettes. Furthermore, a total of £6,241 in cash, believed to be proceeds from criminal activities, has been confiscated, some of which is linked to illegal tobacco. Additionally, there have been 36 complaints regarding the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

During the Health Review Committee meeting of the City Council on October 3rd, Law Enforcement Department Manager Donna Dowse stated that currently, dogs are being trained to assist in detecting illegal e-cigarettes.