Danby County Council in the UK has seized 29 shops selling illegal vapes in the past two years but has not prosecuted the businesses. 15 were seized in 2023 and 14 in 2024. The Council pointed out that the cost of recycling illegal vapes is coordinated through other departments and does not affect the council’s budget.
Key points:
1. In Danby County, UK, 29 shops were seized for illegal sales of vapes in the past two years, but there was no prosecution case.
2. The Council said that the cost of illegal vape recycling is supported by project funds and does not increase local expenses.
3. Industry report reveals the prevalence of illegal vapes in the UK and the threat to public health.
29 Illegal Vape Shops Busted in Two Years in One UK County
According to the Dailypost on April 14, the Trading Standards Bureau of Danby County Council in Wales, UK, has seized illegal vape products from 29 shops in the past two years. However, despite the seizure of these products, no merchants have been prosecuted as a result.
According to a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request. Derbyshire Trading Standards visited 59 shops in 2023 and found 15 stores selling illegal vape products. In 2024, 30 shops were visited, of which 14 were also seized for illegal products. The FOI application shows that Danby County has not taken any legal action to prosecute.
Regarding the value of illegal vape products seized. Danby County Council said that due to the different types, brands and models of vapes, it is not possible to estimate their specific value.
Regarding the cost of dealing with these illegal products. The council noted: “There is no direct cost to Danby County Council as the recovery costs are coordinated by other departments through project funding.”
In February 2025, an industry-led report (Riot Labs) stated that in 2024, two illegal e-cigarettes were seized every minute in the UK, with nearly £9 million of illegal products removed from the streets.
