Kent, UK Strengthens E-cigarette Law Enforcement: Nearly 1,000 Illegal E-cigarettes Seized in Eight Stores

Kent, UK strengthens e-cigarette law enforcement: nearly 1,000 illegal e-cigarettes seized in eight stores

Kent police in the UK seized nearly a thousand illegal e-cigarettes and other nicotine products in false walls and other hiding places in eight stores. According to a previous survey data, Kent is one of the main places where illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes are seized in the UK, and the black market problem in the region is particularly serious.

According to the BBC report on August 6, the Kent police in the UK found illegal e-cigarettes, untaxed cigarettes, nicotine bags and tobacco in eight stores in Gravesend.

These illegal items were found hidden behind false walls and other hiding places in the stores.

Illegal e-cigarettes, untaxed cigarettes, nicotine pouches and tobacco were found in eight shops in Gravesend. Source: Kent Police

Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards and Gravesend Council's licensing department raided the shops on Monday (5th).

A police spokesman said: "Police seized 881 illegal e-cigarettes, 44,180 illegal cigarettes, 126 nicotine bags and 8.65 kg of tobacco, as well as 103 packs of hookah." Police Inspector Kirsty Dunne said, "This operation shows the severity of the problem and the 'extreme measures' people take to avoid being caught. The sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco poses a serious health risk to consumers and hinders law-abiding businesses." Earlier in June, according to survey data released by Vape Superstore between January 1 and February 29, 2023, one-third of e-cigarettes sold in the UK did not comply with regulations, among which Kent County Council seized the most illegal e-cigarettes in the UK, totaling 431,005. Many of these illegal e-cigarettes entered through the European Tunnel Terminal and Dover Port.