NEARLY 1,000 illegal vapes were taken off the streets of Cumbria last year.

Some 951 of the products were seized by Trading Standards teams in the county in 2023.

Sellers in the area are continuing to be warned they could face being prosecuted and fined if found to be selling illegal vapes.

Vapes can include products that come with a volume of e-liquid over the legal amount and especially high nicotine levels.

Signs of a potential illegal vape include a product with poor quality packaging or packaging without the required warnings.

The number of illegal vapes seized in the county of Cumbria was significantly lower than the hotspots of Greater Manchester and London.

 Katrina Stephens, Director of Public Health at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Sadly, illegal or tampered with vaping products are all too common across the UK.

"Our Trading Standards team in Westmorland and Furness have taken a proactive approach to tackling the issue and act swiftly when reports or complaints are made by the public or our partners.

“Since the council was created in April 2023, our officers have made 451 seizures and will not hesitate to prosecute people found to be importing or selling illegal vaping products.

“There are concerns around vaping due to the exposure to some toxins, of which the long-term effects are not yet known.

"Most vapes also contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance found to be riskier for young people than adults as evidence suggests the developing brain is more sensitive to its addictive effects.

“It is also a criminal offence to sell vapes to persons under the age of 18 years, or purchase them on behalf of under 18’s. 

"Anyone found breaking these rules risks being prosecuted, and a possible maximum £2,500 fine.”

Dan Marchant, Director of Vape Club, which published the data in a report, said: "We strongly believe that retailers and B2B distribution of the products should be licensed, as this will generate the revenue needed for border force and trading standards to be able to catch a much greater amount of illegal products coming into the country before they hit the shelves."

The numbers relate to Cumbria County Council before local government services were divided in Cumbria.

Cumberland Council was contacted for comment.