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.
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK - Back Then Festival is coming to Chichester this August, with Tinchy Stryder and Toploader live at Westgate Fields – plus food stalls, a vintage funfair and family fun.
EXCLUSIVE V2 Vouchers deal: half-price tickets - Adult tickets Back Then Festival in Chichester (adult ticket) - V2 Vouchers are available at half price for £17.50.
M23 closed between Crawley and Gatwick due to crash
Drug dealer caught during Brighton patrols is jailed
Thousands of speeding offences captured in new road safety initiative in Hampshire
Litter Heroes across the South East pledged to pick up 62,627 bags of rubbish during Great British Spring Clean
Star Olly Alexander joins Sussex Beacon as a patron
Take a dip in the sea for Selsey RNLI
ID appeal after man damages Hastings shopfront
Nourish Hub Cafe: Community Cafe now open in Bognor Regis
Fundraiser for a teenage girl from Selsey after devastating news
Renewed appeal in search for missing man Stephen with links to Littlehampton
On Air