OVER 2,000 illegal vapes with a street value of more than £27,000 have been seized at shops in Tameside.
It came as Tameside Council’s trading standards, environmental health and licensing officers joined police to visit premises in the borough as part of Operation Sceptre – a national initiative tackling knife crime.
During the visits on Tuesday, May 14, some 2,296 illegal vapes amounting to a street value of £27,552, as well as £159 worth of illicit tobacco, were seized from three shops.
A spokesperson for the council says the shops cannot currently be named for legal reasons but “appropriate enforcement action will be taken”.
They added that one business had notices served for “poor electrics” to be urgently repaired.
All other businesses visited were found to be compliant, with no issues identified in relation to knives.
They were also advised and reminded of their duties relating to licence conditions and responsibilities as sellers of age-restricted products including knives, alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarettes.
Denton North East councillor Denise Ward, Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “Trade in illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.
“Public protection is a priority for us and I’m pleased to see this successful joint work with the police to help keep our local communities safe as well as to support responsible, local businesses that comply with the law.”