Rochdale police continue to clamp down on illegal vapes and substances

Photo: Joseph Hatton

Officers found a large amount of illegal vapes and cigarettes

A man has been detained by police after a large haul of illicit vapes and cigarettes were discovered in a vehicle on Yorkshire Street car park on Tuesday morning (6 December).

The police noticed a man acting suspiciously at around 10.30am. After approaching him, he ran away, leading to a short foot chase before he was detained.

Searching the vehicle, officers found a large amount of illegal vapes and cigarettes which have now been recovered.

The police managed to fill two full bin bags with the substances that have now been prevented from reaching illegal sellers.

An officer on site said that criminals will import these substances illegally from places like Poland and "make a fortune" selling them over here.

The majority of legal devices allow 550 to 600 puffs of 2% nicotine e-liquid, which equates to 40 to 50 cigarettes per vape. 

As a general rule, if the listing states more than 600 puffs, they will not be suitable for the UK market, as they will have a capacity greater than 2ml and, most likely, a higher nicotine content than is permitted.

Generally, anything more than 600, possibly 800 puffs, is likely to be an illegal disposable vape. There are a few 800-puff devices sold in the UK which are TPD compliant and legal.

It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18, regardless of whether it is from a shop or vehicle.