MORE than 3,000 illegal vapes have been seized in Sandwell since the start of the year as agencies get tough on the sale of counterfeit vapes and tobacco.

Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards have seized around 3,200 vapes, 127,300 cigarettes and 23 pouches of Shisha – equating to a retail value of more than £100,000 - since January 1 this year.

West Midlands Police have been working with Trading Standards officers to identify shops selling counterfeit products and taking action to disrupt and stop illegal activity including carrying out intelligence-based inspections, seizing counterfeit products and pursuing closure orders on stores that persistently flout the law.

During enforcement activity at a number of Sandwell stores earlier this year, officers found a haul of vapes hidden in a loft hatch which was sniffed out by a tobacco sniffer dog.

Officers also found hundreds of vapes and cigarettes displayed in plain sight behind the counter of another store.

Trading Standards investigations into both cases are ongoing.

Disposable vapes must have a tank capacity of no more than 2ml and no more than 650 puffs. Police say it is likely that anything over 650 puffs will contain more than the legal volume limit and should not be on sale.

Sergeant John Tranter, from the force’s partnerships team in Sandwell, said: “We are continuing our efforts to take illegal vapes and counterfeit cigarettes off our streets and ultimately safeguarding the public.

“Thanks to our partnership work with Sandwell Council we are disrupting wider criminal activity and protecting the wellbeing of the community.”

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods and communities, added: “This work also helps protect law-abiding businesses from the sale of illegal goods which can create an unfair trading environment for the vast majority of businesses that always follow the rules and buy and sell legal products.

"Retailers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach but our message is clear - you may hide it, but we will find it.

“Illegal tobacco and vapes can harm our residents' health, so it's vital we restrict their availability. Illegal vapes are dangerous because they haven't gone through safety tests and there can be severe risks including dispensing too much nicotine, banned substances or encouraging over consumption.”