Illegal vapes still being sold in shops in Salisbury

As previously reported, Trading Standards and Wiltshire Police raided three shops in Salisbury on Friday, November 10, following a Journal investigation, and seized more than 1,000 illegal vapes from two of them.

However, the raids would seem to have failed to deter the businesses from selling these illegal vapes, as on Thursday, February 1, a Journal reporter was able to purchase the 'big' vapes from two shops.

It comes after the government announced earlier this year that it will ban all disposable vape products and restrict flavours targeted at children in a bid to combat underage vaping across the UK.

Illegal RandM Tornado vapes were sold to our reporter (Image: Newsquest)

The illicit 'rechargeable disposable' vapes have capacities of 18ml, which is nine times more than the legal capacity of 2ml.

The 'rechargeable disposable' vapes purchased by a Journal reporter advertise themselves as offering 9,000 puffs when a legal vape would typically allow for just 700

SEE ALSO: Illegal vapes seized from Salisbury shops in Trading Standards raid

Which shops sold our reporter illegal vapes?

A Journal reporter visited four vape shops in the city and was able to purchase an illegal vape in two of them.

The shops in question are 'Grocery and Vape', an independently-owned business at 17 Catherine Street and 'Red Power Shop', at 15 Minster Street.

Our reporter was asked for proof of age after completing the purchase and requesting a receipt.

At Grocery and Vape, our reporter purchased a Vimto-flavoured 'RandM Tornado', capable of 9,000 puffs. This was taken from under the counter and purchased for £15, three pounds cheaper than what our reporter paid in our previous investigation.

Grocery and Vape sold our reporter an illegal vape. (Image: Newsquest)

At Red Power Shop, which was one of three shops previously raided by Trading Standards, our reporter purchased another 'RandM Tornado', this time in Strawberry Banana flavour, which again, is capable of 9,000 puffs, for £15.

The illicit vapes in this shop were on full display in a glass cabinet, our reporter chose the one they wanted, and the shopkeeper went out back to get one.

Our reporter was not asked for proof of age.

Red Power Shop sold our reporter an illegal vape (Image: Newsquest)

The Journal contacted Wiltshire Council for a comment, Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said, "We are aware that there are some shops in Wiltshire that are selling illegal vapes, we would advise people to continue to report these premises to us by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 2231133.

"Officers will investigate any complaints and visit businesses, taking any necessary action to seize products that are found to be non-compliant, and any further action if required."

Wiltshire Police declined to comment when approached by the Journal.

The Journal also contacted Trading Standards for a comment.