MPs are set to vote through new measures this week which will see enforcement officers work with police to take down organised crime groups who help supply illegal vapes
A fresh crackdown will see more officers smoke out illicit tobacco and vapes as Trading Standards gets a £10 million boost.
Ministers warned cheap cigs and vapes can be “incredibly dangerous” – and are often linked to criminal gangs.
MPs are set to vote through new measures this week which will see enforcement officers work with police to take down organised crime groups who help supply illegal vapes.
And a £10 million cash boost will pay for 80 more apprentice officers to stop harmful products finding their way in to neighbourhood shops.
“Buying illicit tobacco and vapes may save a few pennies in your pocket, but they can be incredibly dangerous and are often linked to criminal activity,” Public Health minister Ashley Dalton said.
“It’s vital the Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves forward so we can tackle this illicit trade and free our children from a life imprisoned by addiction.
“By phasing out tobacco, introducing new restrictions on vapes and putting more boots on our streets, we’re taking the concrete action needed to deliver our Plan for Change and bring us that one step closer to a healthier, smoke-free future.”
The bill, which returns to the Commons on Wednesday, will create the world ’s first smoke-free generation, banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone on or after 1 January 2009.
It will also introduce £200 on-the-spot fines for people who sell tobacco products to people under age.
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Lord Michael Bichard, the Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The scourge of illicit nicotine products are largely powered by organised crime, and the products represent an important money-spinner that help fund organised crime groups’ other illegal schemes, such as human trafficking and modern slavery.
“While Trading Standards seized more than a million illegal vapes, 19 million counterfeit cigarettes and 5,103kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco last year, further action and resources are needed by enforcement bodies to disrupt supply and clamp down on the perpetrators.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is an important step in the right direction, providing more resources to a stretched Trading Standards workforce who, alongside other enforcement partners, are working hard to help the government meet its aims for a smoke-free generation.”