Oldham Council’s trading standards department has seized almost £100,000 worth of illegal vapes and tobacco in five months.

Between June and October 2023, council officers, together with Greater Manchester Police, have been working to crack down on the sale of non-compliant disposable vapes and illicit tobacco.

In total, Oldham Council says it has seized around 6,500 vapes, 19,000 cigarettes and 9.55kg of hand-rolling tobacco, all of which were illegal.

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Oldham Council says this amounts to around £94,000 worth of illegal products taken off the streets.

On one operation, a specially trained dog sniffed out a haul of illegal tobacco in the boot of a car linked to a shop involved in the trade.

Officers forced entry into the car after the owner failed to hand over the keys, and the cigarettes were recovered.

The Oldham Times: Officers broke in to a car when the driver failed to hand over keysOfficers broke in to a car when the driver failed to hand over keys (Image: Oldham Council)

Oldham Council says all products seized over the last few months will be destroyed and the traders face the possibility of further action.

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Cllr Elaine Taylor, Cabinet member for housing and licensing said: “Together with our partners, we continue to take action against traders who sell goods that are unlawful and potentially unsafe. 

“Smoking and the harm it does, plus the trade in illegal tobacco has sadly been around for years. But over the last few years we’ve seen more and more illegal vapes on our streets.

“Not only do they contain illegal amount of nicotine, but they are also being targeted at young people, and that’s not on.

The Oldham Times: Specially trained dogs can sniff out the productsSpecially trained dogs can sniff out the products (Image: Oldham Council)

“It’s also against the law to sell a vape to anyone under 18.

“We’ll continue to carry on raids and seizures across the borough and if you can help us, please get in touch.”

You can report illegal products on sale via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please email me at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.