Suspected illegal vapes and counterfeit cigarettes have been seized by police in Exmouth town centre. Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team seized the items at a store in The Parade, Exmouth on Wednesday 5 February.
Suspected illegal vapes and counterfeit cigarettes have been seized by police in Exmouth town centre.
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team seized the items at a store in The Parade, Exmouth on Wednesday 5 February.
Exmouth and Ottery Neighbourhood Inspector Mat Helm said he fully understands the cost-of-living implications and the desire for cheap tobacco products however, that must never be at a risk to public safety.
Inspector Helm explained: “These products are a potential risk to human health, may contain increased levels of harmful chemicals or toxins and do not have the safety checks to confirm they are fit for human consumption.
“Equally the illegal import of these items evades UK taxes such as VAT and this may be associated with modern day slavery, as well as funding major crime both in the UK and abroad.
“The local police team in Exmouth will continue to target such matters, as well as Anti-social behaviour and related crime in the town.”
It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 or for an adult to buy them on behalf of someone under 18. Local police share information about seizures, such as the one on Wednesday, with Devon and Somerset Trading Standards.
If you wish to report any information to police please visit the Force website or ring 101 for non-emergencies. Home | Devon & Cornwall Police
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