Illegal Tobacco and E-cigarette Discovery in UK Retail Store

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.24.2023
Illegal Tobacco and E-cigarette Discovery in UK Retail Store
UK Trading Standards seizes £50k worth of illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products in Stoke-on-Trent. Store sold to minors.

According to a report by BBC on November 23rd, the British Trading Standards Agency seized an illegal batch of tobacco and e-cigarette products worth £50,000 (approximately 450,000 yuan) at a tobacco retail store in Stoke-on-Trent.

 

It is alleged that these illegal products were discovered after Trade Standards Bureau officials reportedly assigned two 15-year-old children to purchase e-cigarettes.

 

The Trade Standards Bureau reports that despite being underage, these individuals were still sold e-cigarettes at this store. However, these e-cigarettes also exceed the legally allowed e-liquid capacity by 15 times (i.e. 30ml).

 

The Bureau of Trade Standards seized several products from the retail store, including counterfeit cigarettes from 11 different brands and disposable e-cigarettes from 7 brands. These e-cigarettes not only exceeded the allowed e-liquid capacity but also displayed inaccurate health warnings on the packaging.

 

Amjid Wazir, a member of parliament, has expressed deep concern about the prevalent illegal sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes in the community, particularly to underage buyers.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

New York State's largest e-cigarette enforcement operation: 12 companies investigated, more than 10 people arrested, and 38 criminal charges brought against them
New York State's largest e-cigarette enforcement operation: 12 companies investigated, more than 10 people arrested, and 38 criminal charges brought against them
New York State Governor declares the state's largest e-cigarette enforcement action, with over a dozen arrests, 38 charges, and 12 businesses targeted for illegal e-cigarette shipments. The joint operation by the health department and state police focuses on flavored and high-tech e-cigarettes sold online and through apps, which often target minors. Officials highlight that the action aims to protect youth health and warn of severe consequences for violators.
Sep.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia CID Endorses Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Rising Drug-Laced Vape Cases
Malaysia CID Endorses Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Rising Drug-Laced Vape Cases
Malaysia’s Federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has voiced support for a nationwide ban on vaping, particularly targeting drug-laced vape devices, to address rising abuse cases.
Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a youth e-cigarette resource guide to address the proliferation of illegal products
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a youth e-cigarette resource guide to address the proliferation of illegal products
U.S. HHS Surgeon General’s Office released a "Youth E-Cigarette Resource Guide" to tackle youth e-cig use. Though use fell, e-cigarettes are still middle/high schoolers’ top tobacco product—over 1.6M youth used them in 2024. Federal authorities seized millions of illegal devices, but sales persist, harming youth health. HHS and U.S. Customs recently seized $86.5M illegal e-cig products in a Chicago joint op.
Sep.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ukraine intensifies crackdown on illicit tobacco and alcohol markets
Ukraine intensifies crackdown on illicit tobacco and alcohol markets
Ukraine’s State Tax Service (GNS) has carried out around 24,000 on-site inspections in the tobacco and alcohol sectors this year, imposing more than ₴795 million (US$194 million) in fines and revoking over 2,500 business licences.
Oct.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plans to impose an e-cigarette tax before a state law takes effect in October
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plans to impose an e-cigarette tax before a state law takes effect in October
The Tuscaloosa, Alabama, City Council is considering imposing a local tax on e-cigarette products to meet a state bill deadline. Alabama Act 2025-377, signed into law in May, plans to impose a $0.10 per milliliter state excise tax on e-cigarette products starting in October.
Sep.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Shop Fined Over £100,000 for Selling Vapes to Minors and Hiding Illegal Tobacco
UK Shop Fined Over £100,000 for Selling Vapes to Minors and Hiding Illegal Tobacco
A shop in Wolverhampton has been fined more than £100,000 after being caught selling illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products to schoolchildren. The owner and company director admitted multiple offences and was sentenced to a community order.
Sep.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai