Greater Manchester council seize nearly £100,000 of vapes

Nearly £100,000 worth of illicit vapes and tobacco has been seized across Oldham during a five-month crackdown, according to Oldham Council.

A total of 6,500 vapes, 19,000 cigarettes and 9.55kg of hand rolling tobacco have been taken off the streets of Oldham between June and October 2023, as part of a 'tireless crackdown'.

Officers uncovered a haul of illegal tobacco in the boot of a car after a specially trained dog sniffed it out, and shared a picture of the car after the owner refused to give entry and officers forced their way in.

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Councillor 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. 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.”