FOI 715-2025 / Jul 2025 / Vapes
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 715-2025
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 16th July 2025 as follows:
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The main purpose of this request is to gather data concerning illegal or black-market vape sellers within your police force's jurisdiction.
Note: An illegal or unregulated vape does not comply with UK regulations, often meaning it's not registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), contains nicotine levels exceeding the legal limit (20mg/ml), or has a tank capacity larger than 2ml for single-use vapes. These products can also be dangerous because they may contain harmful substances or even illegal drugs like THC or Spice. Following the ban on disposable vapes in the UK, this definition will now also include single-use vapes.
Specifically-for each of the past 5 years (2020-2024), and partial data for 2025 if available-I am seeking anonymised data from your police force on the following:
Q1. The total number of sellers found to be in possession of illegal, unregulated or "black market" vape products.
Q2. The number of sellers who faced any form of legal action, including but not limited to warnings, fines, charges, or prosecutions.
Q3. The number of individuals formally prosecuted (i.e. individuals who were taken to court and faced criminal proceedings resulting in a conviction or ongoing trial).
I would like you to provide the information in the following format:
Please provide the information in electronic format, preferably as an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file. Please avoid sending PDFs or Word documents if possible.
Please find the Warwickshire Police response set out below.
Response: No information held.
Outside of the Act, I can advise that the local authority’s Trading Standards lead on enforcement and would be the prosecuting agency for any offences relating to the selling of illegal or unregulated vape products. Therefore, you may wish to re-direct your request to Warwickshire County Council via the below link:
https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/freedomofinformation
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is as accurate as possible.
Your attention is drawn to the below which details your right of complaint.
Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please write or email the Freedom of Information Unit quoting the reference number above.
Yours sincerely
Freedom of Information Officer
Freedom of Information Unit
Warwickshire Police
PO Box 4
Leek Wootton
Warwickshire
CV35 7QB