Published: Wednesday, 14th May 2025
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is stepping up its crackdown on underage and illegal vape sales after seizing more than £21,000 of illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes from a Tunstall shop.
It follows the sale of an illegal vape to a 17-year-old girl. The legal limit for vapes is 600 puffs, the one sold was three times over the legal limit.
Trading Standards officers, supported by Staffordshire Police, visited TKT Express on High Street Tunstall on Friday, 9 May. During the operation, they discovered illegal products hidden in a nearby car linked to the shop. Officers seized 22,360 cigarettes, 6.2kg of tobacco and 290 vapes- all illegal - and with a total retail value of £21,600. The shop is now under formal investigation.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our teams are taking firm action against shops that put young people at risk. I want to thank our Trading Standards for more hard work that protects all residents and upholds the law.
“We want our city to be a safe place for children and young people, so the fact that this shop sold an illegal vape to somebody underage shows complete disregard for their safety. We will take action against those who put people at risk and undermine the hard work of legitimate businesses.”
“I encourage any residents to report any suspicious activity related to illegal tobacco, vapes, or underage sales.”
Anyone who wants to report a similar issue to Trading Standards can call the Trading Standards Hotline 01782 238444 or visit stoke.gov.uk
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