Investigation Reveals Illegal Sale of E-Cigarettes on Durham Road

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.12.2024
Investigation Reveals Illegal Sale of E-Cigarettes on Durham Road
'Illegal nicotine products sold in multiple stores on Durham Street have caught the attention of Darlington MP Peter Gibson.'

According to a report published on January 11th by the Northern Echo, an investigation and subsequent disclosure revealed the sale of illicit nicotine products in various shops along Durham North Road. This has garnered significant attention and praise from Peter Gibson, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Darlington.

 

Mr. Gibson commended the media for shedding light on the issue of illegal e-cigarette sales in their first edition news. He highlighted his efforts in parliament to secure a debate on this crucial matter next week, where he plans to personally investigate the impact of illicit products on local businesses selling legitimate goods.

 

In an investigation across three different stores, a journalist successfully purchased an illegal, oversized e-cigarette, as well as two nicotine alternatives that had never been heard of by regulatory authorities. These products were referred to as the "Red Flag" e-cigarette.

 

Mr. Gibson expressed deep concern over this issue, along with the Darlington Police Department and city council members. He stated, "We are aware that illegal e-cigarettes have a significant impact on our health, especially for young people. These products are typically sold by individuals involved in organized crime and are also used to deceive children, including selling to them or using them on them. The most extreme cases even involve sexual issues." Mr. Gibson emphasized that taking action to address the illegal sale of e-cigarettes is an urgent task to protect public health and prevent organized criminal activity.

 

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

Germany OLG Cologne: Touchscreen Vape Use Violates Driving “Phone Ban”
Germany OLG Cologne: Touchscreen Vape Use Violates Driving “Phone Ban”
Germany’s OLG Cologne ruled that adjusting an e-cigarette touchscreen while driving violates the “phone ban” under road traffic law. The driver, caught changing vape settings on the highway, was fined €150 and received one penalty point, as the court said such actions pose significant distraction risks.
Oct.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
VCU Tests Nearly 1,300 School-Confiscated Vapes, Finding Mislabeling, Mixed Cannabinoids and Contamination
VCU Tests Nearly 1,300 School-Confiscated Vapes, Finding Mislabeling, Mixed Cannabinoids and Contamination
New research from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) found microbial contamination — including coliform, a bacteria indicating fecal exposure — in some vaping devices confiscated from U.S. schools. However, researchers stressed that newly purchased, unopened vapes showed no such contamination. The findings point to risks linked to unregulated products and improper storage conditions, reinforcing the importance of regulated supply chains and product authentication.
News
Dec.01
France plans to impose new taxes on e-liquids, with the vape industry association warning of unemployment risk
France plans to impose new taxes on e-liquids, with the vape industry association warning of unemployment risk
French government proposes tax on e-liquid, sparking concerns over job losses and increased smuggling and underage sales risks.
Oct.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade
WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade
The Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products opened in Geneva on November 24, 2025. With 60 Parties participating, the meeting focuses on strengthening legal action and international cooperation to combat illicit trade, which accounts for about 11% of the global tobacco market and costs governments billions in lost tax revenue.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal Disposable Vapes Still Sold in Nottingham Six Months After UK Ban: LBC Investigation
Illegal Disposable Vapes Still Sold in Nottingham Six Months After UK Ban: LBC Investigation
According to LBC, a follow-up investigation in Nottingham found that four out of 14 shops visited still sold illegal disposable vapes, six months after the UK Government’s ban took effect. Although fewer retailers appeared to be offering banned products compared with an earlier visit, illegal vapes remain available despite ongoing enforcement efforts.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria Q3 2025 Earnings Report: Net Revenue of $6.072 Billion and Launch of on!PLUS in the U.S.
Altria Q3 2025 Earnings Report: Net Revenue of $6.072 Billion and Launch of on!PLUS in the U.S.
Altria reported Q3 2025 net revenue of $6.072 billion, a 3.0% year-on-year decline. Adjusted EPS increased 3.6% to $1.45. The company expanded its share repurchase program to $2 billion and launched the on!PLUS nicotine pouch in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai