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Illegal Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Seized in Hertfordshire Store

Aug.14.2024
Illegal Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Seized in Hertfordshire Store
Thousands of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes were seized in a store in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, by trading standards officials.

According to a report from the Watford Observer on August 14th, the Trading Standards agency of Hertfordshire County, England, seized thousands of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarette products from a store located in Rickmansworth.

Illegal Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Seized in Hertfordshire Store
Illegal cigarettes and e-cigarette products were discovered during the inspection on August 6th. | Image source: Hartford County Trading Standards Bureau.


In the afternoon of August 6, inspectors raided the store and found 3500 illegal cigarettes and over 300 illegal e-cigarettes being sold.

Illegal Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Seized in Hertfordshire Store
100 e-cigarette products seized on the same day | Image source: Hartford County Trading Standards Bureau


According to a spokesperson for the county council, the capacity of the e-liquid in these e-cigarettes exceeds the legal limits and has not been registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.


In addition, these illegal cigarettes were found to have incorrect warning signs and labels, and had not paid the relevant taxes.


On the same day, inspectors found and seized over 1500 cigarettes and 100 e-cigarettes in another store in the northern part of Hertfordshire. The seized products included the e-cigarette brand "HAYATI.


The spokesperson stated, "We are currently investigating the location and items seized, and it is still unclear what the outcome of the investigation will be.


The county council has refused to disclose the name and address of the store, as an investigation is ongoing.


If prosecuted, the store could face fines of up to £10,000 and could potentially lose its business license after a second offense.


References:
[1] Shop raid uncovers 3,500 illegal cigarettes and 300 vapes
Also Read:
[1] Key Findings: Latest Survey on E-cigarette Usage in the UK
[2] Two e-cigarette companies fined in Shropshire for sales violations.
[3] The Importance of Properly Disposing of E-Cigarettes in UK
[4] Thousands of Illegal Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Seized in England
[5] Authorities in England crack down on counterfeit e-cigarette and tobacco.
[6] Illegal E-cigarette and Counterfeit Cigarettes Seized in Worcester Store
[7] Warning Issued by UK Utility Companies Over E-Cigarette Blockages
[8] Over 250k Worth of Illegal Tobacco Seized in Walsall

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