A significant number of counterfeit tobacco products have been confiscated in Portsmouth to safeguard the public.
The city’s Trading Standards officers have carried out multiple inspections in Fratton and North End to address the problem of counterfeit cigarettes and oversized disposable e-cigarettes.
These inspections have led to seizures totalling over £33,000 in value.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health & Care at Portsmouth City Council said “The marketing of illegal disposable vapes with designs and flavours that could appeal to children is unacceptable, and it is these vapes that are the most affordable and easily accessible to children. While vaping is an effective aid to help adult smokers stop smoking, children should never vape. The long-term health impacts of vaping are unknown and the nicotine contained within them can be highly addictive”
The council is receiving more and more tip-offs about suspected illegal vape sales. If you have any information, please contact trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk,report anonymously via 0300 999 6 999, or visit www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.
The council’s wellbeing service provides free support to help Portsmouth residents to stop smoking. Visit www.wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk or call 023 9229 4001 to find out more.
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