Illegal vapes worth £138,000 seized in Hampshire

Monday, 9 February 2026 06:00

By Natalia Forero, Local Democracy Reporter @V2RadioSussex

Vapes Sized By Hampshire County Council. Image: Hampshire County Council

Vapes and tobacco products with an estimated street value of £138,000 have been seized by Hampshire County Council.

The council has revealed that a record 116,000 illegal vapes and tobacco items were seized in 2025 by its Trading Standards team.

Trading Standards officers carry out regular inspections across the county, often working alongside Hampshire Police.

The team also undertakes test purchasing using young volunteers to identify unlawful sales, protect public health and support responsible retailers.

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, said: “Dodgy traders continue to exploit the rising demand for vapes and tobacco products, selling illegal items that can undermine legitimate businesses and potentially harm health. That’s why we’ve prioritised frontline resources to tackle this issue.

“Our commitment to cracking down on illegal products and disrupting black market supply chains is paying off, preventing potentially dangerous items from reaching consumers.”

Residents who suspect the sale of counterfeit vapes or tobacco products, or sales to underage people, are encouraged to report it to Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards service.

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