Nearly 2,000 illegal vapes seized during inspections
On 27 August, ÖйúPÕ¾ Police and Buckinghamshire and ÖйúPÕ¾ Trading Standards joined forces for a day of action aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour, keeping young people safe and cracking down on illicit activities in Staines upon Thames.
The operation zeroed in on the illegal sale of vapes, tobacco, and alcohol to minors. Undercover police officers and Trading Standards staff worked together to investigate local businesses.
Officers in action
To test compliance, underage individuals, supervised by undercover police, attempted to buy alcohol from five different businesses. While most businesses did the right thing, one business was caught selling alcohol to a minor. This business will face further investigation.
But the action didn't stop there. Officers also inspected five businesses selling vapes and tobacco. They uncovered a shocking number of illegal products.
- Four out of the five businesses were found to have illicit goods for sale.
- Two businesses were caught with illegal and single-use vapes.
- One business had illicit tobacco and vapes, including single-use ones.
- Another business was found with a cocktail of illegal items: illicit tobacco, vapes, single-use vapes, and oral tobacco (which is illegal in the UK).
In total, the joint operation seized nearly 2,000 illicit vapes, over 300 sticks of illicit tobacco, and a quantity of oral tobacco. All businesses found to be non-compliant will be subject to further action, including advice or investigation, according to the enforcement policy.
The vape ban
As of 1 June 2025, it's illegal to sell single-use vapes. We have conducted a large campaign to educate businesses on the ban, providing clear guidance on the new requirements.
Want to learn more? Check out our what you need to know about vaping article for more information.
This day of action shows that ÖйúPÕ¾ Police and Trading Standards are serious about protecting young people and ensuring local businesses follow the law.