The seizure of almost 1,000 illegal e-cigs at two shops in Tameside has led to a company and its director being fined more than £11,000.
Trading standards officers confiscated the 971 disposable vapes from VIP Bury Ltd’s stores at the Arcades Shopping Centre in Ashton and The Mall, Hyde, in November and December 2023, respectively.
The firm pleaded guilty to five charges related to the sale and supply of illegal vapes when it came before Tameside Magistrates’ Court on Friday July 18.
In addition to the company being fined £6,800 with a £2,000 victim surcharge and court costs of £200, the shop’s sole director 62-year-old Howard Bland must pay £2,123 in costs and was cautioned for the offences.
Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, said: “Well done to our trading standards team for yet another successful prosecution.
“Illicit vapes fund wider crime, harm public health and undermine legitimate retailers.
“We will continue to take robust action to tackle this organised criminal trade that harms our communities.”
