Shop owner fined after 867 illegal vapes seized in Ipswich
A convenience store owner has been fined after Trading Standards officers seized hundreds of illegal vapes worth more than £8,000 from his Ipswich shop. The case marks the third time illegal vapes have been found at the premises.
Why it matters: The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Suffolk Trading Standards to crack down on dangerous and illegal vaping products in Ipswich.
The big picture: Trading Standards officers found 867 illegal vapes at Cardinal Convenience Store in Franciscan Way during a January raid. The devices contained more than three times the legal fluid capacity limit.
Details:
- Shop owner Sabah Mamand pleaded guilty to selling and possessing illegal e-cigarettes
- The court fined him £230 and ordered him to pay £392 in costs
- All seized vapes will be destroyed
- The raid followed a test purchase where an undercover inspector bought an illegal device
What they're saying: Graham Crisp, head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said Mamand admitted knowing the vapes were non-compliant but continued selling them despite previous seizures and guidance.
Councillor Steve Wiles praised the operation, saying: "Vapes serve an important purpose in helping people to quit smoking, however oversized disposable vapes are illegal."
The bottom line: The case sends a clear message that Suffolk Trading Standards will prosecute shop owners who ignore regulations designed to protect consumers.
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