We Vape's undercover researcher was offered hundreds of non-compliant devices within minutes from MP's offices.
An Investigation launched by ‘We Vape’ Campaign group revealed just how easy it is to buy illicit vapes in England.
In 2023, Trading Standards seized over 1.5 million illegal vapes in the UK. This equates to three sold every minute (1).
Between 2020 and 2023 the number of prohibited vapes seized increased by 19 times (1).
Despite the increase in successful investigations, illicit vape sales make up one third of the vape market in the UK.
The founder of We Vape, Mark Oates, went undercover in top Labour MP constituencies to show just how easy it is to purchase illegal vapes.
Ashton Under Lyne
Footage taken in Angela Rayner’s Greater Manchester constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne showed traders selling ‘big puff’ devices with tanks larger than the legal 2ml limit.
Oates was offered devices with 8000 to 12000 puffs, as well as high nicotine strengths, such as 5%. This is 2.5 times over the legal selling point of 2%.
When asked if the trader sold any other devices the investigator was invited behind the counter and was greeted by a stash of illegal kits. One device offered up to 20,000 puffs, the equivalent of more than 13000 cigarettes.
During the purchase the trader warned the researcher “to be careful with them… some people think they’re too strong” and that they can make you feel “dizzy”.
Following his investigation of Ashton Under Lyne, Mark Oates stated:
“These non-compliant devices I was able to buy should never have got onto the shelves.
“There should be a legal requirement for all vapes to be tested and certified as compliant with UK law before they are allowed to go on sale and it is shocking this isn’t already the case.
“The fact that we could buy illegal vapes so quickly across Greater Manchester and London, within a stone’s throw of the prime minister, deputy prime minister and health secretary’s own constituency headquarters shows why they need to act on this while they have the chance. Angela Rayner in particular has spoken openly about her love of vaping – perhaps she could make sure the devices that are sold to the British public are safe and legal.”
Gorton and Denton
The study found that illegal vapes were also rife in the constituency of MP Andrew Gwynne, Gorton and Denton.
Owens entered a shop in the region and asked for the ‘Hayati Pro Ultra’. A well known illegal device that often exceeds the 20mg and 2ml limit.
The trader opened up a lockable cupboard and asked the buyer whether he wanted to buy a 15,000 or 10,000 puff kit. Dozens of black market devices could be seen whilst the trader casually asked “which flavour do you want?”.
When asked whether he stocked the ‘Cola Ice Pro Max 4000’ the trader quickly opened another lockable sliding cupboard away from legal display items.
Following his investigation of Gorton and Denton, Oates stated:
“I am staggered at the blasé way these products are sold. But there is an opportunity for government to address this with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. We need a licensing scheme for vape retailers, as we do with alcohol, which would ensure those selling illegal vapes or caught selling to children can be stripped of their licence.”
Following his investigation Mark Oates wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting with his findings.
To keep up to date with upcoming legislation on illicit devices then be sure to check out the TECC Blog.
Sources
(1). Vape Club. The 2024 Illegal Vaping Report.
