Almost 6,000 illegal vapes were seized by Barking and Dagenham Council in 12 months
An East London council is encouraging young people to report shops which are selling illegal vapes. Barking and Dagenham Council is continuing the clampdown on the practice after 5,929 illegal vapes were seized between April 2024 and March 2025.
A new anonymous reporting scheme named Save Something Save Someone has been launched by London Trading Standards to help tackle the problem.
It is believed one in four illegal vapes contain the synthetic drug ‘spice’, while others have harmful additives beyond nicotine. Vaping can help adults who want to quit smoking, but it is not risk-free and is illegal for people under 18.
Evidence associates vaping with starting a nicotine addiction, asthma, and poor mental health. The fresh campaign hopes to empower young people across London to share information about how vapes are being obtained – whether through shops illegally selling them or even giving them away for free to get them hooked.
Over the past year, Barking and Dagenham Council carried out 79 underage test purchase operations which found 45 businesses were breaking the law.
Councillor Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety said: “We’re proud to support this important initiative that gives young people a voice in tackling the illegal sale of vapes. By reporting anonymously, they can help us crack down on those who are putting their health at risk. This is about protecting our community and making sure retailers play by the rules.”
Councillor Maureen Worby, cabinet member for adult social care and health integration said: “We know that vaping can be harmful, especially when young people are exposed to illegal or unregulated products. As we mark Stoptober, it’s a timely reminder that support is available for anyone who wants to quit smoking or vaping.”
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