A new study by e-cigarette firm Totally Wicked has revealed that 3,580 illegal vapes were seized in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands in the past year—an increase of over 1000% compared to 2023’s figures.
Each month, tens of thousands of illegal vapes are confiscated across the UK during police raids and trading standards operations. These unregulated products pose significant health risks, often containing nicotine levels that don’t match their labelling or harmful chemicals absent in approved products.
The data obtained through hundreds of FOI requests to councils and authorities highlights a troubling trend: while enforcement efforts have led to 2.5 million illegal vapes being seized across the UK in 2023 (compared to 1.5 million so far this year), although Dundee has experienced a surge in illegal activity.
Key findings for Scotland:
Aberdeenshire Trading Standards:
- 2023: 26 illegal vapes seized
- 2024: 100 illegal vapes seized so far—an 284.6% increase.
Highlands Trading Standards:
- 2023: 291 illegal vapes seized
- 2024: 3,480 illegal vapes seized so far—an over 1000% increase.
2023: 16,999 illegal vapes seized in Scotland
2024: 20,290 illegal vapes seized so far in Scotland
When asked abour the increase, Highlands Council’s Trading Standards team replied: “We are committed to keeping Highland consumers safe by taking firm action on sales to children and removing illegal vapes from sale.”
In contrast, some areas saw declines, such as West Dunbartonshire, where seizures dropped by 89.20%, and Fife, which experienced an 80.15% reduction.
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Totally Wicked’s CEO and Chairman of the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), commented:
“Some distributors and retailers are either unaware or choose not to follow the rules. We welcome any crackdown on illegal and unsafe vaping products, as it helps protect consumers and ensures that only compliant products are available on the market. Retailers must source vapes from trusted, regulated distributors to guarantee they are selling safe products.”
Totally Wicked is a founding member of the Independent British Vaping Trade Association (IBVTA), which supports ethical practices within the industry.
