Police investigating the sale of dangerous fake-vaping products have raided two businesses in Rochdale

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership issued a warning about ‘THC vape’ products on 16 July

Police investigating the sale of dangerous fake-vaping products have raided two businesses in Rochdale.

Warrants were executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act at premises on Yorkshire Street and Halifax Road at 10am on 18 July 2019. No arrests have been made.

The raids were led by Rochdale’s Complex Safeguarding Team, made up of GMP detectives and partner agencies.

The action came off the back of information received that products purporting to contain natural cannabis-based solutions, often advertised as ‘THC vape’, were being sold at the premises.

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership issued a warning about products sold under the name ‘THC vape’ on 16 July after such products were found to contain the drug, Spice.

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129132/health-warning-issued-over-fake-thc-vape-that-in-fact-contains-spice

At least six incidents of young people collapsing and being hospitalised having vaped such liquid have been confirmed in Bury, Oldham and Rochdale since February 2019. 

Superintendent Richard Hunt of GMP’s Rochdale District, said: “We are fully committed to clamping down on the sale of illegal and dangerous vaping products in order to protect the people of Rochdale.

“This raid came off the back of information received from the community that these harmful items were being sold.

“With the help of the community, we can illuminate these products from sale and pursue prosecutions against those who become involved in the sale of these dangerous substances.

“The Complex Safeguarding Team will continue to investigate this matter and act upon any further information received.

Anyone with information on the sale of ‘THC vape’ products or the sale of other illegal drugs should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.