More than 2,000 illegal vapes have been seized in Tameside - worth nearly £30,000.

Yesterday (May14), Greater Manchester Police (GMP), alongside a number of agencies, visited shops in the borough as part of Operation Spectre - a national initiative against knife crime.

During the visits, officers seized 2,296 illegal vapes with a street value of £27,552 and illicit tobacco with a value of £159 from three shops.

Tameside Council's Trading Standards, Environmental Health and licensing officers joined the force, with the operation providing council officers to follow-up on intelligence in relation to suspected illegal activity - while also providing advice to all businesses in relation to their responsibilities as sellers of age restricted products including knives, alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarettes.

The Oldham Times: Boxes of illegal vapes were taken away from premises across TamesideBoxes of illegal vapes were taken away from premises across Tameside (Image: Tameside Council)

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Cllr Denise Ward, an executive member for Environmental Services, said: "Trade in illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes supports crime rings, damages legitimate businesses, undermines public health and facilitates the supply of tobacco to young people.

"Public protection is a priority for us and I’m pleased to see this  successful joint work with the police to help keep our local communities safe as well as to support responsible, local businesses that comply with the law.”

The Oldham Times: During the visits, officers seized 2296 illegal vapes with a street value of £27552 and illicit tobacco with a value of £159 from three shopsDuring the visits, officers seized 2296 illegal vapes with a street value of £27552 and illicit tobacco with a value of £159 from three shops (Image: Tameside Council)

Poor electrics were also identified in one business resulting in notices being served for urgent repair.

All other businesses visited were found to be compliant and were advised and reminded of their duties of responsible selling and licence conditions. No issues were identified in relation to knives.

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